Sen.John Eichelberger, R-Pa., is making headlines after a gay rights advocacy group claims he made some controversial comments.

The Keystone Progress claims Eichelberger called same-sex couples "dysfunctional" and "we're allowing them to exist."

Eichelberger debated Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Pa., on WHYY radio Friday.

Both senators have dueling bills on same-sex marriage in the State Legislature.

Leach wants to amend the Pennsylvania ban on same sex marriage to give same sex couples full and equal rights. Eichelberger says his bill will define marriage between a man and a woman.

"There's no reason to encourage that kind of behavior in Pennsylvania," Eichelberger said. "That's my whole point. We don't have any reason to change the way we do business here. There is no evidence that this will be good for our society."

The Keystone Progress has started an online petition demanding an apology from the senator. So far, 4,000 people have signed the petition.

Eichelberger issued this statement to WJACTV.com: "This group is a politically active group that goes around the country targeting people that are involved in this issue. If this is an example of how they conduct themselves then it's difficult to continue dialogue and discussion, if people intentionally misportray the truth."