FAYETTEVILLE — Members of a North Carolina church are supporting their pastor, who has been under fire after his comments about what parents should do with children who exhibit gay behavior.

About 500 members attended Sunday's service at Berean Baptist Church in Fayetteville, some shouting their support for the Rev. Sean Harris.

More than 50 protesters showed up at an intersection near the church carrying signs complaining about what they considered hate-mongering.

Harris got a standing ovation from those inside the church.

Last week, he told fathers to punch their sons if they showed signs of gay behavior.

Harris has apologized, saying he regrets his choice of words to illustrate the need to reinforce gender roles.

North Carolina votes Tuesday on a constitutional amendment limiting marriage to one man and one woman.