Anniversary of equal marriage rights

SAN FRANCISCO--Some 50 people came to San Francisco's City Hall on February 12 to both protest the denial of same-sex marriage, banned in California by Proposition 8, and to celebrate the anniversary of San Francisco's legalization of same-sex marriage in 2004.

Demonstrators held a procession from City Hall's rotunda to the county clerk's office, where they gave roses to staff for their support in granting them marriage licenses. The event was organized by Marriage Equality and supported by Join the Impact. Similar events were held across California and nationwide.

After the procession, a small rally was held on the steps of City Hall. Among those who addressed the crowd were Joe and Frank, a gay couple who cannot get joint health insurance coverage because Frank's union, the International Union of Elevator Constructors will not acknowledge marriage.

They can't afford private insurance for Joe, who is disabled, illustrating the terrible consequences of the ban on same-sex marriage has on working class LGBT couples.

Willow Witty of Join the Impact also spoke at the rally, arguing, "We will not sit quietly while our rights are stripped away...We are dedicated to keeping this movement going until we have full equality."

San Francisco City Supervisor David Compos addressed the rally, stating that it is "important that all minority communities are represented in this movement." He added "We have to fight for social justice for everyone" including immigrants.

The rally ended with the demonstrators singing the civil rights anthem "We Shall Overcome."