Meanwhile, Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Draper, has introduced a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages. The House will debate that later this session. If that amendment passes by two-thirds majorities in each house, it will go on the 2004 ballot for approval or rejection by voters.

While no one accused Biskupski of being a pervert in debate Wednesday, Rep. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, House co-sponsor of SB24, said it is appropriate for society, via its laws, to give a unique definition to marriage.

Marriage is not to be defined or confirmed "only on sexual relationships, for the same claims could be made by sexual deviants," said Dayton.

GOP House members, who have already been stung by repeated claims from Democrats that the majority lawmakers are wasting time, money and Utah's good reputation by running "moral" bills this election year, were clearly not in the mood for an extended tongue lashing by the minority over banning same-sex marriages.

In a rare move, Dayton as House sponsor refused to even answer questions about SB24. "No minds will be changed about this. I won't answer questions," she said. Perhaps once in a decade does a sponsor refuse to answer serious questions about his or her bill.

And as Democrats complained about SB24, several GOP representatives walked off the floor, returning to vote in favor of the measure.

Homosexuals "have always been in our society, but persecution has kept us quiet all these years. Now, again, gays and lesbians are singled out for public persecution, next on the list for politically charged discrimination," Biskupski said.

"It's a stated notion, there are few of us in Utah. But I am not the only lesbian you know. In every community, we are your friends, your family, co-workers and neighbors. We come in all races and ethnicity. We live in every county in the state, some with children and some without. We work hard and pay taxes, make positive contributions in our community."

But now, because of SB24 and like laws, gays and lesbians are, under law, second-class citizens, she said.

"Civil and religious marriage are different things," she said. "No religion should be required to bless relationships to which they disagree. But the state should recognize full human equality and grant citizens the same rights."

Rep. Wayne Harper, R-West Jordan, said marriage is different. "It is right we sanctify marriage. Marriage is for the propagation of (the human) species; between a man and a woman, real and lasting. It is the only way we can continue our race."

Homosexual rights have never been recognized by the courts, said Christensen. "The morality of a people should be reflected in their laws. What do we stand for? You can have great compassion and empathy (for a group of people) without lowering your standards."

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E-mail: bbjr@desnews.com