SEATTLE - Gay rights groups very concerned as a controversial Christian association, Watchmen on the Walls, opens a three-day conference in Lynnwood.

Roughly 700 people are expected to attend the conference. The group is an international alliance of self-described Christian political activists who in past meetings have blamed homosexuals for causing the collapse of western civilization.

The group says it is supporting the superiority of marriage between man and woman, but gay rights activists say the group is promoting a ferocious and violent agenda.

"I operate from a Christianity of love, not from Christianity of fear and hate," said Rosalee, of Des Moines.

Rosalee has a gay son, but she says that's just one reason she's worried about the Watchmen on the Walls.

"It's a hate group. We don't need hate groups in the state of Washington," Rosalee said.

At a news conference, Watchmen on the Walls say contrary to their critics who link the killing of a Sacramento gay man earlier this year to the group's rhetoric, they do not advocate violence against gays and lesbians.

Reverend Ken Hutcherson of Redmond, an outspoken critic of homosexuality, is among the leaders of Watchmen on the Walls. He says the movement is an outlet for many in Western Washington who feel the same way.

"That the bible teaches us that homosexuality is wrong. This is just one voice of many," he said.

But groups like Equal Rights of Washington that advocate for equality of gays and lesbians, say while they respect the right to free speech, hate-filled rhetoric can often incite violence.

"We have to be really concerned that rhetoric actually inspires violence," said Connie Watts, a spokesperson. "Without a doubt this is a group we should all be concerned about."

The City of Lynwood and convention center says they respect the group's rights to free speech and free assembly.