U.S. governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney is facing criticism after leading evangelicals to expressing how a "homosexual agenda" was interfering with the constitutional rights of same-sex marriage opponents of revealing their dissent and religious freedom.

Romney, a Republican who may run for president in 2008, told several hundred people at the Tremont Temple Baptist Church, "Every child deserves a mother and a father,"
according to the Boston Globe,

"Today, there are some people who would like to establish a single religion, the religion of secularism," he said in a forum held by the anti-gay Family Research Council in Boston, which organisers said might have reached close to 80 million people.

"When we look at what has happened with same-sex marriage, as it began in this state and threatens to spread across the country, we've seen in its wake the loss of religious freedoms and the ability to speak out based upon one's moral convictions," said Tony Perkins, the organisation's president, to the Associated Press.

Prompted by a ruling from its highest court, Massachusetts legalised same-sex marriage in 2004. Massachusetts lawmakers are expected to consider a proposed constitutional same-sex marriage ban on Nov 9 2006.

Critics called Romney's attack on Massachusetts for legalising gay marriage an insult.

"Once again he chooses to demonise loving couples and families in Massachusetts as part of his heartless crusade for the presidential nomination," said Marc Solomon, campaign director from MassEquality, to the Boston Herald.

Eight states will vote in November on amendments banning same-sex marriage, following 20 states that previously approved bans.

The event, broadcast to churches nationally, is part of a larger effort to energise conservative voters before the November 7 congressional election, reports the AP.