18 people detained during San Francisco marriage protest

[Kadie]

18 people detained during SF marriage protest
Updated at 02:32 PM today

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Eighteen people were put in handcuffs and detained by sheriff's deputies in San Francisco Monday afternoon after a sit-in at the county clerk's office. The act of civil disobedience was carried out by gay and lesbian couples to protest same-sex marriage bans in California and other states. It was the first action of its kind as the protestors kicked their traditional Valentine 's Day protest up a notch.

For the past 10 years the same sex marriage activists have walked into county clerk's offices on Valentine's Day asking for marriage licenses. Only once in San Francisco were the couples successful -- in 2004 when then Mayor Gavin Newsom had the clerk proceed. Those weddings were later invalidated and were the start of a legal battle that continues today.

Now after numerous twists and turns, marriages for gays and lesbians are on hold while a lawsuit is pending before a federal appeals court.

Monday, the demonstrators in San Francisco decided to stage a sit in at the county clerk's office.

Molly McKay says she was sitting down to stand up for equality. A sheriff's deputy warned the protestors they would be subject to arrest if they did not move. They sang "What the world needs now, is love sweet love" as they were taken away.

more...
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=7957431

[RKP5637]

1. Excellent to protest the bigotry. n/t

[arcane1]

2. Nice!

Here I am home form work, and just a couple of blocks away... I'm sorry to have missed it! :toast: