WASHINGTON, D.C.--The push for a constitutional amendment that will ban homosexual marriage by defining it to be between one man and one woman gains ground as Rep. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) and Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) spoke to more than 300 supporters of Family Research Council (FRC) on the opening night of FRC’s annual Washington Briefing Thursday at the historic Willard Hotel. The two Congress leaders stressed that the American people and of religious leaders must speak out against homosexuality to gain victory in protecting marriage.

"The stakes are incredibly high," said Musgrave, referring to the legalization of homosexual marriages.

Like many pro-family advocates have been doing, Musgrave made a call to Americans to speak up about the issue and contact Congress.

"We need to hear from you on this issue," she told the crowd. "I'm counting on you to do that."

DeLay noted the progress of the support for the Federal Marriage Amendment but he still stirred the faith community to speak out if they want the amendment to pass. He urged priests, pastors and clerics to add their voice to those of Congressional members who also want to protect marriage from being radically redefined.

The event, which goes until March 20, features plenary sessions with national leaders and policy makers, dinner at National Press Club, an FRC open house and a panel on Massachusetts same-sex marriage issue.

Focus on the Family’s President Dr. James Dobson also supported the event and engaged in a panel discussion with President of FRC Tony Perkins.

The briefing focus to close-up the legalization homosexual marriages couldn’t have come at a better time as March 29 will also be the date for the continuation of the hearing of the case made by Campaign for California Families in late February.