ix-nay FMA

So, as we've all heard, the FMA was defeated. But I'm surprised at how close it was:

The vote was 48 to 50 against bringing the initiative to a vote, 12 short of the 60 needed to limit debate and move toward final action on the amendment. It would have taken a two-thirds majority -- 19 votes more than the GOP had yesterday -- to pass the amendment itself.

The article (in the Washington Post) continues:

Reflecting the polls, senators expressed reluctance to alter the Constitution to include a divisive social issue, especially at the expense of tampering with traditional state prerogatives over marriage law. Some also said they think current laws adequately protect marriage and expressed concern that the amendment would be interpreted as anti-gay.

"concern that the amendment would be interpreted as anti-gay"??? How else would you interpret it?