Joining in a television ad crusade by the National Organization for Marriage this week, Miss California Carrie Prejean has voiced her opinion against gay marriage, saying she herself believes in "opposite marriage."

The contentious TV commercial featuring Prejean - a Christian college student - has ignited a gruff debate on the topic of gay marriage. The ad takes off from last month's Miss USA competition, where she responded to a question pertaining to same-sex marriage saying that she opposed it.

Her reply offended the advocates of homosexual rights advocates, who also included a head of the Miss California pageant. Prejean, named runner-up to Miss USA, later said her view on gay marriage had cost her the coveted crown.

The ad appeared to have come after the opponents of gay marriage failed to prevent state approvals to same-sex marriage. Last month, Iowa allowed gay marriage; and Vermont too has legalized it through legislative action. On Wednesday, the New Hampshire Senate passed a bill, which requires the Governor's signatures to legalize same-sex marriage.

Expressing disappointment at Prejean's stance against gay weddings, Keith Lewis - Miss California pageant's co-Executive Director - said that Prejean had sought help from gay beauty experts before the Miss USA contest, and that she was known for her friendships with gays like him!