Anthony Picarello says they could be barred from firing employees with same-sex spouses, forced to give them marital benefits, or lose charitable and property tax exemptions if they refuse.

Picarello and other legal experts took part in a panel discussion on the issue at the Heritage Foundation.

Maggie Gallagher, who heads the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy, says opponents of gay marriage will be treated like racists if it is declared a civil right. She predicted that churches will be tempted to "mute" their marriage theology to stay out of trouble.

Gallagher says unless the U-S Constitution is amended to ban gay marriage, judges will probably force states to legalize it.

Monday, liberal religious leaders called for a rejection of the proposed amendment. (story)