Oregon Public Broadcasting

A gay rights bill in Olympia is generating strong emotions and heated rhetoric.

Opponents of same sex marriage jammed two legislative hearings Thursday. They oppose legislation that would give gay domestic partners the same rights and responsibilities as married couples.

Pastor Roy Hartwell warned lawmakers that someday they will -- in his words -- “stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”

Roy Hartwell: “You are going to be held accountable for the way that you exercise the God-given authority that God’s given you in the offices that you’ve been elected to. Do not take this as the people thay elected you. You are sitting where you are sitting because of God.”

That comment sparked a rebuke from a Democratic state lawmaker who said he didn’t appreciate the religious lecture.

Sponsors of the bill readily admit that gay marriage is their ultimate goal. In the meantime they want to expand spousal rights for gay couples to include sick leave, adoptions and workers compensation benefits – among other things.

On the web:

HB 1727