2 years ago
CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA - Proposition 8 protesters carried on almost non-stop, their chants and sign displays provoking constant honking from cars passing by. The result: a steady roar Saturday afternoon at the intersection of Greenback and Sunrise in Citrus Heights.
With three days to go before Proposition 8 is settled, protesters weren't about to let rain hold them back.
"I saw maybe 1,000 people," said protester George Popko. "But I don't know how many more are out there."
"Pretty much everyone out here is honking for one side or the other. I don't think anyone is neutral on this subject," said protester James Adams.
The emotional argument over gay marriage drew people from both sides, often standing side by side to make their voices heard. No one seemed willing to give in to the weather and go home.
Adams, who opposes Prop 8, said the event was advertised on Craig's List.
"I support No on 8 because I believe anyone who's in love should have the right to be married," said Adams. "I don't believe it should be dictated by the government."
Fellow protester Chris Hicks agreed.
"It's taking away peoples' rights," said the 22 year-old. "It doesn't affect me directly, because I'm not gay, and I don't have gay friends who are going to get married. But it's still wrong to infringe upon people."
At times, protesting was heated.
"No on gay!" was the chant of one protester, mocking the cheer of "No on 8."
The Yes on 8 side seemed to have greater numbers, and some took their demonstrations to a unique level. One protester had a yellow pick-up truck with blue painting on the side, reading "Yes on 8."
"We do believe in (Proposition 8), because this is what's right," said the truck's driver Adrian Anton. "We don't believe in 'man and man,' and 'woman and woman.'"
"The children are the most important part," said Popko, who favors the measure to ban gay marriage. "We want to protect our children from being taught that homosexual marriage is normal, and that it's okay."
There were no reports of violence or arrests connected with the demonstrations from Citrus Heights Police.
News10/KXTV
