More than 60 law professors have signed onto a letter urging Minnesota lawmakers to vote against a resolution that seeks to constitutionally ban gay marriage in the state, the Minnesota Independent reported.

If approved, voters would be asked in 2012 to decide on the definition of marriage. Minnesota state law already bans gay and lesbian couples from marrying, but supporters say the law remains vulnerable to a legal challenge.

The measure has cleared initial hurdles in both chambers of the Legislature.

In the open letter to lawmakers, the lawyers argue that the amendment would “cement the existing [legal] hardships” gay and lesbian couples face.

“The proposed amendment would set in constitutional cement the existing hardships on thousands of families,including children, that many in the legal profession serve,” the group wrote. “Attorneys practicing in such diverse areas as family law, estate planning, real estate, tax, and beyond represent people across Minnesota who confront complex legal challenges because they are currently unable to enter a legally-recognized relationship with a same-sex partner.”

Sixty-three current and former law school faculty members from the University of Minnesota have signed onto the letter.

“Frankly, the full implications of the proposed amendment are unknown,” they added.

At Monday's House hearing, Representative Steve Simon objected to the measure, saying being gay was a gift from God.

Three additional states – Indiana, North Carolina and Pennsylvania – are also considering similar action.