For Mike Thompson, executive director of the gay-rights advocacy group Equality Utah, the entire Utah delegation's support for the failed measure was disappointing.

"I think a recognition of same-sex relationships is a nonpartisan issue and should be a nonpartisan issue," he said.

Bill Duncan, director of the traditional-marriage group Marriage Law Foundation, defended the vote, calling it a step forward, and timely as courts continue to weigh in on the issue.

"I think it's a genuine effort to keep the issue in the forefront of people's minds, and second, to get it passed," he said. "I think it's progress."

Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, R-Colo., who sponsored the amendment, said most Americans support traditional marriage, "and the people have a right to know whether their elected representatives agree with them."

The White House, in a statement Tuesday, had urged passage of the measure. "When activist judges insist on redefining the fundamental institution of marriage for their states or potentially for the entire country, the only alternative left to make the people's voice heard is an amendment of the Constitution."

While Congress has failed to pass a constitutional amendment on marriage, state legislatures have moved aggressively to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Forty-five states have either state constitutional amendments banning gay marriage or state statutes outlawing same-sex weddings. Such marriages currently are allowed only in Massachusetts.

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Contributing: Associated Press.

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