At lunchtime yesterday, I went down to City Hall to see the scene there. Since the city started marrying gay people there last week, there have been a huge turnout of people wanting to get married, and of course the Christian protesters one would expect at such a thing.
When I went there, the first thing I saw was Frank Chu, with his usual sign about the 12 galaxies. I suppose I should have expected it. On the steps of city hall itself, there was a sizable crowd of well-wishers. People honked their support as they drove by. In the middle of the crowd were Christians with huge signs about how homosexuals were going to hell. There was another sign off to the side in support of gay marriage. Whenever a couple came out after getting married, everyone would cheer. There was even a band playing!
Even with the protesters, it was just a great vibe in that place. Everyone was so happy, and the couples coming out had huge smiles. I only hope it can last for a while longer. I have a feeling it will probably end this next week. Although San Francisco supports it, the rest of the state does not, and the rest of the country really doesn't. So I don't know whether I saw the start of gay marriage in this country, or just the first abortive attempt at it. I think that eventually it will be legal, I can only hope it will be soon. But I'm very happy I could see what must be a pivotal moment in the movement. Thank you, Gavin Newsom, and thank you San Francisco!
Posted by ahyatt at February 21, 2004 06:49 AM