HARRISBURG -- Lawyers, religious leaders and advocates for gays and lesbians are facing off this morning in one of the most highly charged Senate Appropriations Committee hearings in recent memory.

At issue is a proposal to strengthen the state's ban on gay marriage by constitutionalizing it and adding a provision to prevent other kinds of same-sex unions that are functionally equivalent to marriage.

Proponents of the measure invoked Bible passages while opponents cried discrimination and attorneys on both sides argued over whether a constitutional amendment is necessary when Pennsylvania already has a statute preventing same-sex marriage.

The committee is expected to vote on the amendment next week. The issue was before the committee because of the $2 million cost of the advertising required as part of the constitutional amendment process.

The process involves lawmakers' approval during two separate legislative sessions and approval by a majority of voters during a referendum.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.