TRENTON, New Jersey (Reuters) - New Jersey's state Senate on Thursday defeated a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage, a move that likely puts the measure on the back burner for several years.

The state Senate, after an afternoon of debate, voted 20 to 14 against the bill. Backers of the bill had hoped to get it approved and signed into law before Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine, a supporter, leaves office on January 19.

(Editing by Sandra Maler)