Disappointed, Angry

So the state in which I live voted yesterday to include an amendment to our state Constitution. The amendment states that the only recognized legal union shall be between one man and one woman. Aside from the obvious banning of legally recognized gay relationships (our state already outlaws gay marriage so this amendment is even more disturbing in it's inclusion) the Far reaching and unintended consequences include one man and one woman who are not married, potential loss of rights for any couple who have children together but are not married, pressing domestic abuse charges if you are unmarried.
I am not completely surprised by this action but am severely disappointed and fearful of what this means. Living in an area where there is a far more open, tolerant and accepting viewpoint among most people, I suppose it's easier to feel hopeful that people will make the decision to not strip away rights from it's citizens. The thing that angers me is that if this amendment was struck down - as I firmly believe it should have been - it would not suddenly allow gay marriage! It would change nothing for us and our fight. It would however, ensure that domestic partnerships, civil unions continue to be protected under the law. I just feel like we are taking a huge leap back in time.
I personally believe that a Constitution should never be used to deny groups of people basic civil rights. It's extremely difficult to change or amend a Constitution for good reason. It should only be used to ensure the fair and equal treatment of the citizens it protects. I do not ever wish to infringe on anyone's right to practice their faith or religion. I do not understand the mentality that says - You do not deserve the same protections under the law as me because I disagree with you. And that's what my state just told me.
Value All Families!