From the PubDef archive — published November 17, 2008, restored 2026. Links and embedded media may point to archived copies.

Thousands in St. Louis protest California’s gay marriage ban

By Antonio French

Filed Monday, November 17, 2008 at 12:00 PM

An attack on civil rights anywhere is an attack on civil rights everywhere. In that spirit, more than a thousand people gathered on the steps of the Old Courthouse Saturday to protest California’s passage of Proposition 8, outlawing gay marriage.

According to organizers and police officials, 1,400 people joined the protest in downtown St. Louis. The crowd waved signs, banners and cheered in support of marriage rights for all Americans.

State and City Officials who spoke included: St. Louis City Mayor Francis Slay, Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, Comptroller Darlene Green, State Senator Joan Bray, and a representative of State Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford.

Religious leaders Rabbi James Stone Goodman, Rev. Krista Taves, Rev. Susan Drake and Rev. Julie Jennings also spoke out against Proposition 8.

To learn more about Prop 8 activities in St. Louis, visit Show Me No Hate’s website.