Topeka ? A former state legislator from Lawrence today called a proposed constitutional ban of gay marriages “bigotry masquerading as morality.”

Forrest Swall, who served in the Kansas House from 1993-94, was one of two people who spoke against an amendment to the Kansas Constitution that says marriage can only be between a man and a woman and same-sex marriages would be “contrary to the public policy of this state and are void.”

A public hearing on the proposal was held before the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.

About 15 people testified in support of the measure, saying it was needed to defend heterosexual marriages from court decisions, such as the one in Massachusetts, that say states must grant gays who are married the same legal rights and privileges as heterosexual married couples.

Anti-gay minister Fred Phelps of Topeka said the Kansas amendment was necessary, and called same-sex marriage “the ultimate smash-mouth, in your face insult to God Almighty.”

Rep. William Mason, R-Augusta, said he expected the committee will recommend approval of the amendment as early as next week. The measure would need two-thirds approval in the House and Senate before it could be considered by voters statewide.

Earlier, Swall, a Democrat, tried to interrupt a news conference in the Statehouse being held by supporters of the amendment. Swall said he was protesting the use of a public building for a news conference held by religious leaders.

For more on this story, see Thursday’s Journal-World.