Gay Marriage Rally Held In Palm Springs

A victory Wednesday for those in favor of same sex marriage.

A federal judge in San Francisco struck down California’s voter approved ban, claiming the measure violates the civil rights of gays.

An appeal is already in the works by religious and conservative groups who initially sponsored the ban.

Hundreds gathered in the streets of Palm Springs to show solidarity for gay marriage.

More than 300 people showed up for Wednesday’s rally

“This is a great day for the gay and lesbian community for the state of California,” said Greg Pettis, a Cathedral City councilmember.

People of all ages, carrying signs in support of gay marriage joined together.

“We just happened to be driving by and thought, ‘hey, lets stop and show our support,’ said Jessica Calderon, a supporter of gay rights.

Organizers said the long fight to legalize gay marriage in the Golden State is now on the right path.

“It’s not over,” said George Zander, with Equality California. “We’ve got a long way to go.”

Still, Palm Springs resident Michael McVay and his partner Chris said they are one step closer to getting married.

“We’ve been together for two years,” said McVay. “We’re very happy, and you know, we feel like we’re equal to any straight couple.”

The judge ruled that proposition 8 violates the state’s due process clauses. He said proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California constitution the notion that opposite sex couples are superior to same-sex couples.

“To actually have legal, federal court words say we are the same as heterosexual couples is perfect,” said Zander.

“This is a victory for American people and our justice system,” said Ted Olson, the plaintiff’s attorney.

However, not everyone was happy that prop 8 was knocked down.

Melissa Hatcher voted in favor of it, and she drove to Palm Springs from Desert Hot Springs to voice her opinion and nearly incited a riot.

“I don’t believe same-sex marriage should be,” she said.

Hatcher then left and the peaceful rally continued.

“The people in high school don’t care,” said Zander. “They don’t see the difference. They just see people as people.”

There have been many first steps and a lot of steps backwards,” said McVay. “I’m happy that this is a first step in the right direction.”

Gay marriages in the state have yet to resume. Prop 8 supporters are appealing the ruling, and the judge hasn’t decided if gay marriages should be permitted during the appeals process.

His decision could come as early as Friday.

Either way, legal analysts expect this case to make it all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court.