Same Sex Marriage Supporters March | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Monday, June 1, 2009

Fresno, CA Event organizers estimate more than 3,000 people were at Fresno City Hall for Saturday's March in the Middle event.

Crews have cleared out signs of Saturday's March in the Middle event, and area bars are holding fundraisers to help fund the fight.

But earlier in the day, thousands of people marched for marriage equality, protesting the California Supreme Court's decision to uphold Proposition 8.

"What do we want? Equality. When do we want it? Now!"

"I've got a niece who married last year, when it was legal. I've got good friends whose weddings I went to, and I can't imagine denying them the right to happiness."

Celebrities, like Will and Grace's Eric McCormick and Grey's Anatomy star T.R. Knight lent their voices to the cause.

"I was not going to stand for being a second class citizen, and I'm sure as hell not going to be a third class citizen."

In November, the majority of Fresno voters approved Proposition 8, defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Its one reason Fresno activist Robin Mcgehee said the March in the Middle event was held in the Central Valley."I'm not saying we're going to have rights overnight, but what it does do; it gives a voice to a community that is silenced too often."

Prop 8 supporter, Pastor Jim Franklin said California voters have spoken. And they'll celebrate that decision sunday night at Fresno City Hall.

"It really is a response to the ruling that we're going to celebrate the ruling that came down in favor of the people, that the courts upheld the right of the people to govern themselves."

Many of the prop 8 opponents say the fight is not over. They have plans to put a measure on next year's ballot.

Meanwhile, organizers of Sunday night's "Still Standing in the Middle for Marriage" are expecting a large turnout as well.