The resolution, which only recognized families with a husband and wife, excluded other families such as adoptive families and those headed by single parents or same-sex couples, he said.

"These other families are valuable, contributing members of the North Salt Lake community," he said. "It's regrettable that such a proposal would even be considered."

Council members were applauded by three members of Equality Utah.

Jacobson said council members received several e-mails in response to the resolution, and some weren't nice. He said the fact it was presented didn't mean it would pass.

The resolution was the latest in a growing debate over traditional marriage. Last November, Utah voters approved a state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and any other "substantially similar" relationship.

Salt Lake Mayor Rocky Anderson recently issued an executive order extending benefits to gay and unmarried heterosexual couples and their children. The city's insurance company is waiting on a court decision before extending benefits.

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