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SAN DIEGO -
One year ago, same sex couples were told they could no longer enter into civil marriages in California when Proposition 8 passed by 52 percent of voters. This year, many supporters of gay marriage turned out to protest that decision and a similar vote against same-sex marriages in the state of Maine.
The rally was held Wednesday night in downtown San Diego at the County Administration Building. For many at the gathering, the anniversary brought back painful memories of what happened in November of 2008.
"Our community was told that we were second class citizens and that we were no longer equal citizens with other people in California," said Robert Close-Rodriquez.
His husband, Miguel, watched the final tallies on the Internet as the initiative wend down to defeat.
"I kept looking on the Internet, checking the points, and it was later on that I realized we were not going to win, and that's really sad," Miguel Close-Rodriquez said.
Demonstrators marched along West Harbor Drive to the Manchester Grand Hyatt. The event was conceived by 17-year -ld Scripps Ranch High School senior Jase Watson, who happens to be straight.
"The reason I'm so passionate about it is I firmly believe the voter boxes shouldn't have been used to take away rights that were given to the people by the state Supreme Court of California, he said. "If their rights are taken away, then my rights can be taken away just as easy, and I believe that's really wrong."
The rally was held Wednesday night in downtown San Diego at the County Administration Building. For many at the gathering, the anniversary brought back painful memories of what happened in November of 2008.
"Our community was told that we were second class citizens and that we were no longer equal citizens with other people in California," said Robert Close-Rodriquez.
His husband, Miguel, watched the final tallies on the Internet as the initiative wend down to defeat.
"I kept looking on the Internet, checking the points, and it was later on that I realized we were not going to win, and that's really sad," Miguel Close-Rodriquez said.
Demonstrators marched along West Harbor Drive to the Manchester Grand Hyatt. The event was conceived by 17-year -ld Scripps Ranch High School senior Jase Watson, who happens to be straight.
"The reason I'm so passionate about it is I firmly believe the voter boxes shouldn't have been used to take away rights that were given to the people by the state Supreme Court of California, he said. "If their rights are taken away, then my rights can be taken away just as easy, and I believe that's really wrong."
