Backers of an effort to ban same-sex marriage in Florida have begun a last-minute blitz to get the measure on the ballot. The organization that’s pushing for the amendment is well short of the signatures it needs. The so-called ‘Marriage Protection Amendment’ would ban civil, same-sex unions that offer the same rights and benefits of marriage. Supporters say the amendment is needed in case a court strikes down existing state law. The group, Florida4Marriage, is holding news conferences around the state before a February 1st deadline to turn in 600-thousand signatures. So far, they’ve collected 250-thousand. On the steps of the Collier County Courthouse, First Baptist Senior Pastor Hayes Wicker said the sanctity of marriage is at stake.

“And in these last few weeks we believe that all of us as pastors across denominational lines in the state of Florida must join hands together and do what is right to be good citizens as well as good Christians.”

Opponents say the measure discriminates against gay people and threatens other rights such as healthcare benefits for partners.