He said, if the amendment passes, "only legally married heterosexual couples will have the protection of that (law)."

Wilkins said that law's protection "is not limited, never has been limited, nor will be limited to marriage."

Jeri Tafoya, assistant development director for the Don't Amend Alliance campaign against the amendment, said it's unfortunate the debate is focused on same-sex marriage.

"Gay couples will not be married in Utah, that is a fact," she said. "I think (the amendment) would be very limiting. I think it would tie the hand of legislators to make any changes," she said.

Wording of proposed Utah marriage amendment

HJR 25: Joint Resolution on Marriage

If voters approve this November, Utah Constitution Article I, Section 29 would be amended to read:

1. Marriage consists only of the legal union between a man and a woman.

2. No other domestic union, however denominated, may be recognized as a marriage or given the same or substanially equivalent legal effect.

Web sites for and against the joint resolution

Campaign Web sites

Don't Amend Alliance: www.dontamendalliance.com

Yes! For Marriage: www.yesformarriage.org.

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com