Groups supporting the constitutional amendment to ban gay mariage held a rally at the state Capitol Monday. Erin Israel tells us more about how some Missouri legislators say they are going to make sure they serve the will of the people.

Several family advocacy groups, churches, and lawmakers gathered at the state Capitol, Monday, to support a ban on gay mariage.

Sponsor of the bill Senator Sarah Steelman urged the group to get involved and vote so their voices could be heard.

"IN THIS STATE WE'RE GONNA MAKE IT KNOWN THAT THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE IS TO HAVE MARRIAGE AS DEFINED AS BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN."

Steelman told the group the bill will pass through the legislature.

But PROMO, a group for the personal rights of Missourians, came to voice their opposition to the measure, saying a ban on gay marriage would keep other Missouri citizens from living their lives as they please.

From the state Capitol, I'm Erin Israel.

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Groups supporting a constitutional ban on gay marriage held a rally at the state Capitol, Monday. Erin Israel tells us how some say this piece of legislation could actually hurt Missouri families.

Several family advocacy groups, church groups, and lawmakers gathered at the state Capitol to support a measure that they say would protect the family unit and family values.

But Angela Fritzsch, a member of PROMO, a group for the personal rights of Missourians, said a ban on gay marriage will harm some families.

"SINCE MISSOURI DOES NOT OFFER SAME SEX TWO PARENT ADOPTIONS, I HAVE NO LEGAL RIGHTS TO OUR CHILDREN. REGARDLESS OF THIS, THEY ARE STILL OUR CHILDREN."

Fritsch said she would like to see all families have equal spousal rights.

Representative Kevin Engler, sponsor of the bill, said at the rally that allowing same sex couples to marry would erode core family values.

From the state capitol, I'm Erin Israel.

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Groups supporting a ban on gay marriage held a rally at the state Capitol, Monday. Erin Israel tells us how the groups contend they do not support hatred.

Several family advocacy groups, church groups, and lawmakers held a rally at the state Capitol to support a ban on gay mariage.

Representative Kevin Engler said the measure is not discriminatory.

"iF YOU HAVE ANY FORM OF HATRED THAT YOU THINK THAT YOU'RE GOING TO USE THIS AMENDMENT TO GO OUT AND CAMPAIGN AGAINST PEOPLE, PLEASE DON'T GET INVOLVED WITH THIS."

Engler said the amendment's purpose is simply to protect family values in the state.

PROMO, a group for the personal rights of Missourians, voiced their opposition to the measure, saying it discriminates against the right of some Missourians to commit and have rights associated with marriage, such as the right to visit one's partner in the hospital.

From the state Capitol, I'm Erin Israel.