Community Corner

Gay Marriage Supporters in Weho Cheer Ruling on Prop. 8

Hundreds of gay couples and community leaders march from the new Weho library, welcoming the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision.

Hundreds gathered for a rally in West Hollywood on Tuesday night in support of the that affirmed the unconstitutionality of California's ban on same-sex marriage.

Mayor John Duran was all smiles as city officials and community members converged in the auto court of the new West Hollywood Library on San Vicente Boulevard. The triumphant crowd cheered and waved rainbow flags.

"I think what's important for the community to think about is that [while] this is an important day, this is a lifetime struggle. It's a marathon," Duran told Patch. "It's a big step forward, but not the end of the race."

Find out what's happening in West Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

John Lincoln, who braved traffic from San Fernando Valley to make it to the rally, was one of more than 300 proudly raising "It's Time For Marriage Equality" signs made by Love Honor Cherish—an organization dedicated solely to the repeal of Prop. 8 that organized the Weho event.

"When I heard the news this morning, I thought this could be a unifying moment for us," Lincoln said. "When Prop. 8 passed, it splintered our community. We should be working as a single unit, exploring every option available to us."

Find out what's happening in West Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

NoH8 founder Adam Bouska, longtime LGBT rights activist Diane Abbit, gay rights lawyer Jon Davidson, and Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas spoke to the attendees before the march.

Thomas, the senior pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church in Los Angeles, riled up the crowd with an enthusiastic speech.

"You are just as loved as anyone in this country," he yelled out. "We need to remember that today's victory means there is still work to do."

Around 6:30 p.m., West Hollywood Sheriff's deputies guided the group across San Vicente Boulevard and up to Santa Monica Boulevard. People driving by honked in support as the troupe braced a bit of drizzle and walked eastbound to Westbourne Drive and back toward the library.

After the rally dispersed about 7:30 p.m., the crowd spilled out onto the West Hollywood streets to celebrate.

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