Small Crowd Rallies Against Proposition 8

Protesters chanting "We demand marriage equality!" gathered Thursday at Santa Monica and San Vicente boulevards.  

The emergency demonstration was organized after the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals imposed a stay Monday in the Proposition 8 case. Now gay couples in California will have to wait until at least Dec. 6  to get married while an appeal of U.S. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn Walker's decision is considered.

The demonstration managed to draw a small group of 80 supporters.

Organizers Jane Wishon of Restore Equality 2010 and Arturo Sernas, a Los Angeles based gay-rights activist, worked quickly to rally supporters for the demonstration. "Although Judge Walker's decision was a victory for Proposition 8 opponents, the fight is not over, " said an announcement on the event's Facebook page. "Do not let that victorious feeling make you complacent. Let it be known that we will remain vigilant and active until marriage equality is restored in California."

Among the demonstrators was Lt. Dan Choi, who served in the Army but was discharged under the military's "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy. Robin Tyler and Diane Olson, the original plaintiffs in the state lawsuit challenging Proposition 8 and the first same-sex couple to be married in Los Angeles County in 2008, were also present at the protest. City Councilwoman Lindsey Horvath also came to lend her support.

Chris Hesse contributed to this report.