The Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY — A state lawmaker who made national headlines by claiming homosexuality is a greater threat to the United States than terrorism was heckled by protesters Thursday as she launched a campaign for a morality proclamation that opponents said promotes an atmosphere of hate.

Rep. Sally Kern said the U.S. is drifting from traditional Christian values as she sought signatures for her petition at a state Capitol rally attended by about 250 people including ministers and their followers, four other state lawmakers, and protesters who shouted “shame on you” and “hypocrite.”

“You are seeing a wonderful demonstration of intolerance,” the conservative Republican from Oklahoma City said of the hecklers.

Among other things, the proclamation says “this nation has become a world leader in promoting abortion, pornography, same-sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse and many other forms of debauchery.”

The proclamation declares the federal government “is forsaking the rich Christian heritage upon which this nation was built.”

Kern’s supporters attempted to drown out the protesters by singing “God Bless America” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” The protesters responded with “We Shall Overcome.”

Last year, gay and lesbian groups demanded Kern apologize after she told a political group that “the homosexual agenda is just destroying this nation” and poses a bigger threat to the United States than terrorism.

Her comments were recorded and posted on the video-sharing Web site YouTube by the Washington, D.C.-based Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.

Following the rally, Kern said the proclamation was intended as “a call or a challenge” but is not legislation and does not express the will of the Legislature.

She also justified using the state House’s media division to announce the rally and holding it in the state Capitol.

“This is the people’s building,” she said.

A protester at the rally, Marc Bell, described the proclamation as homophobic.

“It points fingers at minority classes,” Bell said. “It’s way past its time.”

Chuck Thornton, deputy director of the ACLU of Oklahoma, said the proclamation is based on fraud and hate. He said he resented the listing of same-sex marriage with sex trafficking and child abuse as a form of debauchery.