A group of legislators today unveiled a plan to strengthen the state's existing prohibition on gay marriage through a constitutional amendment.

Their goal is to pre-empt legal challenges that could result in a judicial ruling that the current law violates the constitutional guarantee of equal protection. A Baltimore court Friday issued such a ruling for Maryland.

Voters, not judges, should define marriage in Pennsylvania, said Rep. Scott W. Boyd, R-Lancaster County, who is a prime sponsor of the legislation along with Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler County.

"The institution of marriage is in danger of being compromised by activist judges and special interests who want to permanently redefine it," Mr. Boyd said in the Capitol rotunda at a press conference attended by more than 250 supporters.

Meanwhile today, gay-rights advocates held their own press conference in the Capitol's media center. They called the proposed amendment divisive, discriminatory, hurtful and unnecessary.

"Our elected officials should act to protect and nurture all of Pennsylvania's families and not be persuaded by those special interests who think they own the right to say who is a family," said Larry Frankel, legislative director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania.

Amending the constitution is a lengthy process that requires legislative approval during two consecutive sessions, voter approval at referendum and then legal wrangling over wording of the amendment.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.