Same-Sex Marriage Ban Unclear in Utah?

Utah governor Jon Huntsman told reporters on Thursday that his state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage is unclear on the legality of civil unions, and would ultimately need to be decided by a court, reports The Salt Lake Tribune.

In 2004, Utah voters passed Amendment 3, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and bans any equivalent unions. Huntsman supported the measure when running for office.

Governor Huntsman announced his support for civil unions and the Common Ground legislative initiative for basic LGBT rights in February. None of the Common Ground proposals passed this session.

Huntsman currently enjoys approval ratings near 80% and is widely considered a Republican presidential prospect for 2012.