Proposition 8 Protest Reaches Wilmington

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Wilmington to show their disapproval of Proposition 8. It was introduced on the November ballot in California to strike down a court ruling to allow same-sex marriage. The state supported the proposition, which sent alarms throughout the gay and lesbian community.

With signs in hand, it’s easy to see the battle locals are waging. More than a hundred gay, lesbian and straight residents rallied in downtown Wilmington Saturday, to say they are fighting for equality. Kati Heffield said, “This is a civil rights issue, it’s not a gay issue. It’s a people issue.”

The rally is in response to the passage of Proposition 8, which repealed the California Supreme Court’s ruling to recognize same-sex marriage. A California law, many here say they want changed. Rally Supporter Calvin Martin said, “We don’t even have the right to marry in North Carolina, but the thing is about starting that thinking in every mind of every American so that one day things might change for everyone.”

Saturday’s rally didn’t come with out its opponents. One man who wants to remain anonymous voiced is opinion on the opposite side of the street. “We support marriage between a man and a woman, not between a man and a man, not a woman and a woman. As well as the other thirty states that have constitutional amendments that agree with our position.”

Many hope this protest will raise awareness of equal rights for the gay and lesbian community and maybe even change some local opinion. Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts all recognized same-sex marriage. North Carolina does not.