Gay Rights March | ABC30 Fresno | abc30.com

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By ABC30

Monday, October 12, 2009

Fresno, CA "Well, I wonder how long it's going to take everybody to get home with that many people." Diane Blair was at her friend's house in Downtown Fresno Sunday, watching her husband, and tens of thousands of others march for same sex rights in Washington DC.

"Anyone who cares for human rights and civil rights needs to stand up and speak out on behalf of full equality for our lgbtq community."

This is the first time in nearly a decade that this many people have descended upon the nation's capitol to fight for gay rights.

But unlike years past, Sunday's march was smaller and didn't include celebrity performances.

It evolved from a grassroots effort that many say started at the March in the Middle rally held in Fresno back in May of this year.

"And you represent every single state of the United States of America." Robyn McGehee who helped organize Fresno's rally, served as the co-director for Sunday's march in Washington DC.

She spoke to Action News while marching down Pennsylvania Avenue. "This march will galvanize a base. It will offer hope and dignity to those who suffer in their closet."

Pastor Jim Franklin spoke about the march on his radio show Sunday. "Says that only 39-percent of the United States supports legalization of same sex marriage."

He said despite their efforts, the voters have already spoken and that Sunday's march won't make a difference. "It's going to make a show of those individuals. I don't think it's going to have an effect on legislation that already in the making."

President Obama did acknowledge the protesters. In a speech made last night, he said his first step is to get rid of the military's don't ask, don't tell policy.

But people who oppose today's march said the president should focus more on the economy, and not gay rights.