ATLANTA (AP) — Complaints of politics in the preaching are getting the attention of top Georgia lawmakers, prompting the House Speaker to send a letter to visiting clergy warning them to keep their remarks neutral.

The debate erupted Feb. 6 when the minister of the day, a Baptist preacher from Powder Springs, denounced gay marriage during his opening remarks. Lawmakers in both the House and Senate are allowed to invite their ministers to give a short message before debate begins.

Visiting ministers are told to keep their remarks nondenominational and politically neutral, but preachers routinely invoke Jesus or hint that lawmakers have a duty to support a cause.

But members started complaining after at least three ministers in the past few weeks referred to same-sex marriages or sodomy. The Senate is currently considering a constitutional amendment to ban gay or lesbian marriage.

The Legislature’s only openly gay or lesbian member, Rep. Karla Lea Drenner of Avondale Estates, says the ministers’ remarks are starting to sound like gay-bashing from the well of the House.

“They’re supposed to be talking about love for all Georgians, not just some Georgians,” she said. “Lately we’ve been listening to this moral rhetoric and it’s like they’re saying, ‘I believe this so God must believe this and if you disagree, then you’re against God.””

Other Democrats joined Drenner in complaining about the sharp words coming from the preachers. Speaker Terry Coleman (D-Eastman) directed officials to emphasize instructions to ministers on what they may talk about.

“They get a letter asking them not to talk about politics, but a lot of them do. We’re going to address that,” Coleman said.

Conservatives quickly volleyed back, saying Democrats only get mad when they don’t agree with the message.

“Ninety percent of the time they get into politics. It’s their one chance to make a statement,” said Rep. Warren Massey (R-Winder). “I didn’t see anyone complaining when the liberals are up here preaching, so why are they complaining when the conservatives say what they think?

“Fair is fair. This is an open debate forum. If you don’t like it, stay in the anteroom.”