Harrisburg, Pa. - While the budget remains a key topic in Harrisburg, so does gay rights. Two senators introduced opposing legislation, with one causing an outcry.

Senator Daylin Leach (D) of Delaware and Montgomery Counties introduced a bill to legalize gay marriage in Pennsylvania. Senator John Eichelberger, Jr. (R) from Central Pennsylvania did the opposite. He called for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. The group Keystone Progress called some of Eichelberger's remarks "outrageous." On Monday members of that group demanded an apology.

At the Capitol, Keystone Progress proclaimed their message to Senator Eichelberger with signs and voices.

"We're really concerned about those comments and the fact that he refuses to apologize for them," said Michael Morril, Executive Director.

Eichelberger made the comment on June 19th on Philadelphia public radio, WHYY-FM, during a debate with Senator Leach.

"He said two things that are particularly outrageous," said Morrill. "First of all, he said lesbian and gay couples were dysfunctional. Second though, he questioned even their right to exist."

During the radio show, the host asked Eichelberger, "Are you saying that by their very nature homosexual relationships are dysfunctional?"

Eichelberger responded, "Um. I guess I would say that. I would say that."

Also on the show, Leach asked Eichelberger whether same sex couples should be punished.

"They're not being punished," said Eichelberger. "We're allowing them to exist, and do what every American can do. We're just not rewarding them with any special designation."

So far, Keystone Progress has gathered 5,000 names on a petition that demands Eichelberger apologize. The group took that petition to his Capitol office. He was not there. Later, Eichelberger released a written statement.

"I am in receipt of the petitions and am glad to see people engaging in our democratic process. In fact, that's precisely what this debate is all about: will the people get to decide what marriage looks like or will an activist court make that decision for them. My amendment will allow the people to decide, and I'm encouraged to see that groups like this also see that we need to hear the people's voice on this important issue," Eichelberger's statement said.

His chief of staff said Eichelberger will not give any more interviews about this topic.

The Keystone Progress group did eventually meet face to face with Senator Eichelberger on Monday afternoon. Members asked him to apologize. According to the executive director, Eichelberger refused.

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