MADISON, Wis. -- A debate was held in Madison on Tuesday night that had speakers examining the opposing sides of the controversial proposed marriage amendment.

Local residents gathered at the Overture Center in downtown to discuss one of two referendum questions that will be on ballots around the state on Nov. 7 (the other refers to reinstituting the death penalty). If passed, the measure would be added as an amendment to the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.

One issue being debated at the meeting is what potential impact the amendment would have economically if it passed, WISC-TV reported.

Bruce Harville, a consultant, said that he opposed the amendment and that it could deter tourists.

"If they're gay themselves and coming from the coast where they have some rights as a gay person, to come somewhere they would not have those legal recognitions would be a factor that would really discourage them from coming," Harville said.

Attorney Christopher Wolfe said that he supports the amendment and doesn't agree with Harville's reasoning.

"Where else are they going go?" Wolfe said. "Massachusetts is the only other state that has gay marriage so it's not as if there's all these other states they can go to instead. Madison would be a pretty congenial place for them even without marriage."

A WISC-TV poll earlier this month found that a majority of residents said that they support the amendment. Fifty-one percent of those surveyed said that back the amendment, which would effectively bar gay marriage or civil unions. Forty-two percent said that they oppose the measure. Seven percent said that they're undecided.