Gay-Marriage Supporters Take to Streets After Ruling

Opponents of marriage ban sad but not surprised

By Katherine Thompson, Newser Staff

Posted May 26, 2009 2:30 PM CDT

(Newser) – Supporters of same-sex marriage were disappointed but not surprised by the California Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold Proposition 8, the San Francisco Chronicle reports, as a crowd that had gathered at the state courthouse moved through city streets, blocking traffic and prompting arrest. “This is a serious blow on religious freedom, and it opens the door for discrimination against any minority,” said one of the case’s plaintiffs.

Meanwhile, supporters of the ban celebrated quietly.“I don’t know how many times it’s going to take for the judges to listen to the will of the people,” said Jorge Riley, who was waiting for this morning’s announcement holding a sign that said “‘Gay’ = Pervert.” A group of Prop 8 opponents shouted “Shame on you!” when news reached the crowd.

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Demonstrators placed signs on a statue of President Abraham Lincoln in front of San Francisco City Hall after the California State Supreme Court's ruling today. (AP Photo)

Shelly Bailes, left, gets a hug from Ellen Pontac, while attending a rally against Proposition 8, the measure that bans same-sex marriage in California. (AP Photo)

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It seems not only astounding but unjust that a simple majority can write discrimination into the Constitution. - Rick Schlosser of Sacramento, executive director of the California Council for Churches, who opposes Proposition 8

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 9 comments

kokuaguy

May 28, 2009 7:28 AM CDT

At least you are trying to communicate and not simply condemning, newsrmandan. But your logic fails on most counts. Let's just take the last one-- if I understand you it is that without religion we would be victimized by lawless, immoral hordes. Yet European societies are much less religious (far fewer church goers) than the US, yet their murder rates are much lower than ours.

newsrmandan

May 27, 2009 7:18 AM CDT

sph... I will grant you the 14 amendment "equal protection" idea if the gay community were being persecuted legally. My problem with equating this with the civil rights of the 60's is absurd. Why? because blacks were systemically abused. Gay plight is just not the same. At least MLK did not think so. Excuse the appeal to authority. Robn... denying the use of the term Marriage is not a civil rights issue b/c it does not deny them anything gay peeps don't already have. ie. If you and your partner want to join a health club, --no problem. You want to join an art society, or attend university-- no problem. You want to be publically transported from place to place. --no problem. Car Loan, mortgage, tee time, drink from a water fountain that worked, all --no problem for the gay community. That was not true for the black community. Theirs was a legitimate struggle. Fondue... I was not saying that I am better than others, I am just laying out what I see as a rational thought. I thought since this was a public forum where the free exchange of ideas take place that maybe I would give mine. But I guess ideas that are not harmonious with yours will be cut off as self-righteous? Also just as an aside. Theologically speaking, God has said there is only one true God, ( His Words, not mine. cf. ten commands) so technically the God I worship is also your God. Ithurman..."Why can't this whole sorry-ass world leave every one else alone?" What happened to practice what you preach. If you sent damn (to hell) the religious, righteous leaders you would be here with lawless unrestrained immoral followers, simple question-- do you want that?

Fondue

May 26, 2009 11:35 AM CDT

To answer your question newsrmandan: what will the term be for hetero marriages be? It'll be a marriage. When will you stop trying to put yourself above others is what I want to know? Is that what your god teaches you? Sorry, but do not want.

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Gay-Marriage Supporters Take to Streets After Ruling