(Nov. 15, 2008) -- A crowd estimated at roughly 1,000+ rallied outside LB City Hall on Saturday morning (Nov. 15) to urge overturning Proposition 8, passed by CA voters on November 4.

Announced as a "Peace Rally and Wed-In," the LB event was part of a "National Day of Support for California Marriage Equality" which saw rallies/demonstrations in cities across the country.

LB Gay & Lesbian Center Exec. Dir. Kimberlee Woods told the crowd: "We can talk about peace and still be angry. We can talk about peace and still want justice..." and drew a mainly positive response, but with some audible dissent, when she continued:

Ms. Woods: "We can't ignore it, but there's plenty we can do. There's plenty we can do. It doesn't mean you don't boycott. Right, boycott, but they're not our enemy, and we can learn how to make each person an ally one person at a time. [cheers]"

Attendees' signs spoke for themselves.

This sign says Yes on Proposition 8 is the new Naziism.

This sign says, "Hey Mormons. You Did Want Three Wives? I'm Looking For One."

This sign says, "Ironically, We Think You're Immoral."

Gay/Lesbian Center Exec. Dir. Woods chatted with Signal Hill Councilman Larry Forester. Councilman Forester's sign says: "Chickens Have More Rights Than Me. What The Cluck" (a reference to voter approval of Prop 2, requiring more humane treatment of caged animals used for food.)

This sign draws historical comparisons to "separate but equal" drinking fountains of the south's racial segregation era.

Speakers at the event, organized by the Gay & Lesbian Center of Greater LB, included 1st dist. Councilwoman/Assemblwoman-elect Bonnie Lowenthal and 2nd district Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal.

Some excerpts:

To hear Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal's remarks in full, click here

To hear Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal's remarks in full, click here

The event comes a day after Prop 8 supporters held a Santa Ana press event at which they accused some Prop 8 opponents of actions they called harassment and intimidation. OC Register.com coverage, click here.

At the LB rally, a Clergy Letter / Joint Statement for Marriage Equality was read at the podium. Rolando Cruz (who read its text) tells LBReport.com that additional parties have signed since the text below was compiled.

This morning in front of city halls across the United States, communities of people are gathering to express their solidarity with all those in California being denied the opportunity and right to marry the person they love!

When two people truly love one another, regardless of who they are -- a man and a woman, a parent and a child, two dear friends or a couple of the same gender -- the love that they share is from God, a precious gift. It is a blessing that offers light to the world.

Because we believe this, we, as religious leaders of Long Beach, dare to come to the light and openly declare our support for those of the same gender who have committed themselves to one another in love and wish to be married. We believe that God has given them this gift of love, and that it is not only a blessing for them but also a blessing for the world. Surely the marriage of committed, loving same-gender couples can only strengthen that institution.

To deny committed, loving same-gender couples the opportunity to marry is to deny this gift and blessing, and we are deeply grieved that some feel threatened enough to do so. We pray that those who are afraid will find the courage to listen to the voices of same-gender couples and that their hearts will recognize the love that binds these couples.

Human beings are born equal. This is not a right conferred by law but a reality created by God's design. In God's eyes, there is no hierarchy of value, no status of inclusion or exclusion. Rather, there is the beauty of humanity in all its diversity that reflects the glory of the Creator and makes us sisters and brothers with one another.

Throughout time, human beings have struggled with this divine design of equality. We have created laws that have declared some in our communities as less than others. Often, religious institutions have supported or created those lines of exclusion. For these times where religion has served as a tool of division, bigotry and hatred, we repent, seeking God's forgiveness.

Yet, we celebrate that people of deep and committed faith have also spoken prophetic words that have challenged those laws and have lead movements of change to help our human family move a little closer to the divine image of a fully realized creation.

To you gathered here today, we, the undersigned religious leaders of Long Beach, vow to be part of that prophetic tradition. We will promise you

To continue the struggle within our own particular faith traditions to make our communities places of true hospitality, healing and hope for the fullness of humanity,

To continue to proclaim that gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans-gendered persons are precious in God's sight and of sacred worth who have the right to receive the blessing and sacrament of marriage

To proclaim God's equality of all and to work with you to see that the constitution of California continues to uphold that vision by overturning Proposition 8.

Some of us belong to traditions that already openly support the GLBT community as full members. We will continue to celebrate the rite of marriage with you.

For those of us who belong to traditions that have not yet made that journey, we are not of one mind on how to move forward but we are of one heart. All of us will continue to proclaim the beauty of the love you have found in each other and to support your right to marry legally under civil law. Additionally, some of us who have struggled with the exclusions within our own church law have made the decision to step outside it. We will also celebrate the rite of marriage with you.

In closing, peace in our communities is possible when we commit ourselves to justice and truth. But, the road to that peace cannot be built on destroying or hurting others. We rejoice in this GLBT community of Long Beach and your commitment to continue a non-violent struggle for change. When hurt, denied and denigrated, the first response is often to hurt back. However, this community has taken the harder, more courageous road to call others to understanding, to stand up for your rights by not denying the rights of others. You have chosen not to vilify your opponents. This is a mark of deep maturity.

We pray that same-gender couples will continue to find the courage to listen to those who oppose them and seek to understand their concerns and fears. We urge all concerned to treat one another with respect and care, asking forgiveness when needed.

May the light of God's reconciling and unfailing love shine in our words, in our deeds, and in our hearts.

Jointly Signed by:

The Rev. Lee Carlile
Grace United Methodist Church
Long Beach

The Rev. Gary Commins, D.D.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Long Beach

The Rev. John Edwin Griffin
Lakewood First United Methodist Church
Lakewood

The Rev. Sandra Olewine
The Neighborhood United Methodist Community
Long Beach

The Rev. Jerry Stinson
First Congregational Church
Long Beach

The Rev. Sheena Trotter-Dennis
Belmont Heights United Methodist Community
Long Beach

Prop 8 enacted a state constitutional amendment reversing a CA Supreme Court ruling (4-3) that made same sex marriage a state constitutional right. CA voters statewide approved Prop 8 by a margin of 52.2% (yes) to 47.8% (no) [latest unofficial tally from Sec'y of State website, Nov. 15].

However, Prop 8 lost in LB citywide by a margin of 47.5% (yes) to 52.5% (no). Five of nine LB Council districts (5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) voted "yes" on Prop 8...but were outweighed by a more than two to one "no" votes in the 2nd Council district (69% "no" votes) plus a large "no" vote in the 3rd Council district.