The attorney general had little to say Wednesday about the more than a half-hour he spent with the Senate caucus or a later private meeting with House Speaker Marty Stephens, R-Farr West.

"They were good meetings," Shurtleff said.

His spokesman, Paul Murphy, said both sides agreed to disagree on the issue. Shurtleff, though, won't be making any more public statements about the amendment, Murphy said.

"It should be up to the voters now," he said.

Shurtleff has declined a debate invitation from Yes! For Marriage on his position.

Gayle Ruzicka, president of Constitutional Defense of Marriage, said she'd look forward to joining in Yes! For Marriage's debate with Don't Amend.

"In a debate, our side wins. Period," she said. "There is nothing in this amendment that will change any basic rights."

Details of the debate have yet to be worked out.

At the news conference, Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Draper, said the amendment is "simple and succinct."

"The second sentence is essential" to prevent Utah from facing a situation such as in California, where voters outlawed same-sex marriage in the state's constitution, but the Legislature legalized domestic partnerships, he said.

"Social forces are at work today," he said, "to undermine the institution of family."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com