"Still Standing in the Middle for Marriage" rally | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Monday, June 1, 2009

Fresno, CA "Hate, hate!"

From interrupting speeches,

To silencing protesters, there was no shortage of controversy at Sunday's "Still Standing in the Middle for Marriage" rally.

"Stay on this side"

"With little or no rebuttal to accept your sexual orientation"

Sunday's event brought in an estimated 2,500 people, most of which were celebrating the California Supreme Court's decision to uphold Proposition 8, defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

"Our whole civilization is founded on one man, one woman producing children. Two men together can not produce."

"They can keep fighting and keep trying to get their way, but the truth is that the courts have decided."

This rally comes just one day after gay marriage supporters held their own event at Fresno city hall. It was similar in size. But, did not include as many protesters.

Former Fresno mayor Alan Autry addressed the issue during his speech. "All we're asking you is to understand that we have a different view that we're just as passionate about."

"We're not protesting. Right now what we're doing is sending them love and we're showing them they we are diffusing hate and confusing confusion." Despite varying views, both sides did find some common ground.

The fight will continue, whether you are for or against gay marriage. "Why am I doing this? Because honestly my mom is a lesbian and you people have done nothing but make her feel like a second class citizen."

"As they say, it's just a matter of time and when people get to know us and know this issue, and then they'll change their mind. Really? I think that's a little naïve because the numbers don't show that."

Sunday's event officially ended at 7, but hundreds stayed after yelling back and forth at each other. Still, no arrests were made.