AUGUSTA (AP) – A lawmaker is sponsoring a bill he strenuously opposes.

Rep. Brian Duprey, R-Hampden, introduced legislation to legalize same-sex marriage at the request of a constituent.

“Since I am my constituent’s voice in the Legislature I felt compelled to sponsor the legislation, but I will not change my beliefs and will work hard to try defeat the legislation,” said Duprey.

Duprey is sponsoring a separate bill calling for a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as a union of one man and one woman, and allow for the state to not recognize same sex marriages performed in other states.