As Supreme Court justices heard arguments for and against same-sex marriage, people in downtown San Diego rallied in support of traditional marriage.
Dozens of people clutched banners and waved flags on the steps of the downtown San Diego U.S. Federal Courthouse. Homemade signs read “every child deserves a mom & dad“ and “don’t empty marriage of its meaning.”
The rally was spearheaded by a handful of San Diego faith-based organizations, whose leaders vowed to keep marriage between a man and a woman.
"I think the future of our country depends on the strength of our families and the grounding of our children in their faith and we have a right to raise our children accordingly to our own religious beliefs," said Cathy Williams, who thought the rally was so important that she brought her five children.
Sylvia Sullivan attended the rally as a “concerned citizen,” and to encourage the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the vote of the people of California through Proposition 8.
"The same-sex community -- they have all the benefits of marriage under their civil unions in the state of California," said Sullivan. "They merely wish to somehow or other force their views upon us. And we say, what’s best for the children, for society is that marriage remain between one man and one woman."
Becky Davies, director of public affairs for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said she’s feeling overruled because the people of California already voted.
“Traditional marriage is the way we’ve done it forever, since the beginning of time. And it’s what is the ideal as far as a family and raising children,” said Davies.
Tamandra Michaels, a same-sex marriage advocate, brought her camera to the event to document history.
“And I’m just curious as to what motivates people to cling to their hate and their fear. It’s a fascinating subject for me and then I enjoy writing about it."
Michaels said the issue has become a defining moment of our time.
“We had civil rights, and me having a disability, I was at the forefront with that when I was a kid. And I guess it’s sort of been planted in my heart to be an activists for what’s right."
Hundreds of supporters of same-sex marriage rallied Tuesday night at the same place. The "Light The Way To Justice" rally was moderated by Sean Sala, a local same-sex marriage activist and Navy veteran.
“I think that as more people have come out, you know, family members, friends, soldiers, brothers, sisters -- people have finally realized it was sort of a bunch of malarkey, and discrimination is just that . . . and it needs to end."
On Wednesday the court will consider a case involving the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
