[theapportioner]

The amendment in question is vaguely worded as it now stands and could very well be interpreted as banning civil unions and domestic partner benefits currently provided by some states.

However, many conservatives see marriage as a states issue and so it may be quite difficult to get a federal amendment passed even if a clear majority of Americans oppose gay marriage.

If you are seriously bothered by this amendment proposal, I encourage you to write to Senators and Congresspeople, esp. moderate and conservative-leaning Democrats. aclu.org and other websites make it easy to do this.