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Residents unite for marriage equality, rally highlights

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The Equality Rally was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at 15th Street West and Avenue K in Lancaster.
The Equality Rally was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at 15th Street West and Avenue K.

LANCASTER – The local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) community and allies held a rally in Lancaster Wednesday evening (June 26) to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings that cleared the way for gay marriage to resume in California.

The crowd of more than 100 supporters spread out on the four corners of 15th Street West and Avenue K with colorful flags, signs and banners. Passing motorists honked their horns and waved as the crowd cheered and chanted, “This is what equality looks like!”

(L to R) Matthew Forster, Naomi Vanmourik, and Janice Vanmourik.
(L to R) Matthew Forster, Naomi Vanmourik, and Janice Vanmourik.

“The fact that all of us can be equal and the fact that we can all share in the same civil rights is all we’re asking for, and so this is a huge step for us,” said Gina Piellusch. “It’s been a long time coming and we’re so glad the day is finally here.”

The U. S. Supreme Court Wednesday morning struck down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a law barring the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages legalized by the states.

“Justice Kennedy specifically refers to the equal protection clause of the Fifth Amendment, which means that he specifically is stating that gay people and their marriages have to be treated the same as straight people and their marriages. This means we’re not inferior and there is no religious implication that we’re sinners and don’t have the same rights,” said Sue Dell.

In another win for gay rights advocates in California, the high court determined that California’s proposition 8 ban on same sex marriage was not properly before them, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to overturn the lower court’s striking down of the law. This effectively cleared the way for same sex marriages to resume in California.

“Everyone in California has equal rights now as it pertains to marriage,” said Katy Nelsen.  “We try to support parents, friends and families of lesbians and gays and having this validate them and validate their marriages will make that so much easier for us.”

The U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings are especially meaningful to the Antelope Valley community, because it is such a conservative area, supporters said.

Rody Alexander Rodriguez and Mario Vasquez.
Rody Alexander Rodriguez and Mario Vasquez.

“We were here about this time last year doing a rally against homophobia, because in Lancaster there were some hate crimes and there was graffiti spray painted on a few of the local buildings,” said Craig Cincis, “and to be here today celebrating the fact that we can get married is huge. I was crying my eyes out all day and celebrating because I didn’t think this would happen as soon as it did.”

Even as they celebrate, gay rights advocates say there is still more work to be done for the LGBTQ community.

“There are still 37 states that do not have any same sex unions or marriage available for couples,” said Mario Vasquez. “We’re not done until all states have full marriage equality.”

 

(L to R) Mercedes Witt, Stephanie Sandoval, Frank Macias and Craig Cincis. Cincis said he woke up to texts from his sister and my mom congratulating him. It was especially emotional for him because his sister had voted against marriage equality in 2008, but now she was singing a different tune, Cincis said.
(L to R) Mercedes Witt, Stephanie Sandoval, Frank Macias and Craig Cincis. Cincis said he woke up to texts from his sister and mom congratulating him. It was especially emotional for him because his sister had voted against marriage equality in 2008, but now she was singing a different tune, Cincis said.
(L to R) Mary Ressler and Michael Jones. "This means that my husband and I can actually get married out here now, because we were married out in Washington, DC before I moved out here," said Michael Jones.
(L to R) Mary Ressler and Michael Jones. “This means that my husband and I can actually get married out here now, because we were married in Washington, DC before I moved out here,” Jones said.
(L to R) Gina Piellusch and Eric Morga. "We definitely had a very hard struggle here, because [the AV] was a very pro [Proposition] 8 community, Piellusch said.
(L to R) Gina Piellusch and Eric Morga. “We definitely had a very hard struggle here, because [the AV] was a very pro [proposition] 8 community,” Piellusch said.
Matthew Forster (front) flashed a sign asking drivers to "hon for equality." The majority of motorists complied.
Matthew Forster (front) flashed a sign asking drivers to “honk for equality.” The majority of motorists complied.
Robert Benitez said his sign, which is a take on the City of Lancaster's logo and catchphrase, represents pride in his hometown and himself. "Marrying my partner is very important to me, and now that it’s recognized on the federal level, it’s something that he and I will definitely benefit from," Benitez said.
Robert Benitez said his sign, which is a take on the City of Lancaster’s logo and catchphrase, represents pride in his hometown and himself. “Marrying my partner is very important to me, and now that it’s recognized on the federal level, it’s something that he and I will definitely benefit from,” Benitez said.

For more pictures from this event, visit our Facebook page.

Previous related story: High court clears way for same-sex marriage in CA, residents to rally

Filed Under: Lancaster

97 comments for "Residents unite for marriage equality, rally highlights"

  1. I don’t know if all of you fundamentalist Christians have figured this out, but just saying, “God says it’s an abomination so don’t do it” isn’t really working. You’ve been saying it for 200 years and it hasn’t really gotten you anything except gay marriage and a lot of hatred. As a Christian, I’m willing to try a little more love and lot less hate. I just might have more impact on the community than just running around saying “you’re going to Hell! You’re going to Hell!” Many gays feel that they’ve been living in a man-made Hell for years, so how much worse could you make it for them? I’ve decided that the best way for me to show my opposition to gay marriage is to stay married to my wife and to try to be the best husband possible. Face it guys, you got complacent and thought the government would somehow uphold your religious beliefs. Remember the song, “take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently.”

  2. I would like to plan a straight parade. Announce our belief that male and female relationship is something to be proud of. Heck, we can hold up posters stating:

    “Straight Pride”

    “Woohoo… we can reproduce”

    “Honk if you support straight relationships”

    “XY + XX= Love” (Gene pool for the educationally challenged)

    “Proud to be straight”

    “I accept biology, I love my opposite sex life partner”

    “It is America, I am free to support traditional marriage and not support homosexuality”
    Etc..

    If this parade was put together I am positive it would be considered a “hate” parade. But the fact is, as you’re proud and vocal about your homosexuality. I (we) have the right to be proud and vocal of traditional straight beliefs.

  3. Let me warn you gay boys and girls- Maybe you can’t help it that you are the “way” you are, but the Bible says don’t act on those feelings. Especially males. DISGUSTING. Nuff said.

      • About the Bible having no authority over those who dont believe or go by its standards/principles/laws….in the end you will reap what you sow. Do not be mislead; God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.(Gal. 6:7)

        God is the creator of everything in this universe (Psalms 83:18, Rev. 4:11) and he does have to right to say what is right and what is wrong.
        The bible is very clear how God feels about homosexual relations(Rom. 1:24-27)

        It doesnt matter if you believe in what the bible has to say on this or not. It is a persons choice to be gay and go against what the creator intended…he doesnt force anyone to do anything that they do not want to do but also remember he is fair and does warning about what happens when we go against His Word. If you dont want to read it and apply it then that is your choice. It is all a choice.

        If you choose to go against bible principles that God has set you will bear consequences, and they will not be good ones. But yes, its your choice. A person can change and make the right choice not to be gay. God did not create people to be gay/homosexuals…its the choice you made. So you alone will bear your own consequences in time.

        • ^^^All of which applies to Christians who worry way to much about others sexuality. Funny how one never sees them protesting red lobster.

          • You also never see Christians(or straight individuals in general) annoucing/parading their sexual choices/behaviors on corners of major intersections.

          • ….@@@

            Oh, its not that we worry too much about your sexuality but we do worry for you in general because if a person continues to live that way they will not have any hope of everlasting life and that IS what God wants for everyone. But those who practice homosexuality will not have any hope of it. It is your choice. Choose to be a homosexual, well this life will be all that you have. It doesnt have to be that way.

          • mint-n-chip

            While I agree with your overall stance on the issue you must realize that the majority of homosexuals do not take heed to the Christianity argument. It is a moot point in their head. It is wasted words. There are many other arguments to be made against homosexuality other than the typical Christian/Bible perspective. As you read the below discussions you can see that if you bring up Christianity debate you get flamed (pun attended) for doing so. I am not religious but do not support homosexuality and same sex intercourse.

      • PD said…

        mint-n-chip

        While I agree with your overall stance on the issue you must realize that the majority of homosexuals do not take heed to the Christianity argument. It is a moot point in their head. It is wasted words. There are many other arguments to be made against homosexuality other than the typical Christian/Bible perspective. As you read the below discussions you can see that if you bring up Christianity debate you get flamed (pun attended) for doing so. I am not religious but do not support homosexuality and same sex intercourse.

        ~~~~~~~

        :) You are so right PD. What you say is so true. I do feel the same…wasted words. However, I just had to say something only because I do believe a person can change but they have to want to change. The bible can help a person do this. But to live by the bible is to live an unselfish life, putting God first. True, no one is perfect and it is a hard fight to do so but the point is the Gods word would have to become what is most important to that person. As we can see by all the perverted ways gays bring attention to themselves that they usually are selfish…its all me, me, me. Thats all they really care about.

        If gays want to continue to parade around in the disgusting way that they do and in effect say…look at me, look at me, Im gay!I have rights!…well so be it. Let em continue to be selfish and only care about themselves instead of the One who made their lives possible. Yes, their choice it is. Ive accepted that. It is so very sad. They will wish they had listened but it will be too late.

        Also, you are also so very right that there are many other reasons why homosexuality is just wrong and not just from a religious standpoint. I am trying not to scroll down to read anything because I will want to respond and like you said..wasted words. *sigh*

        Oh, your comment about the “straight parade”…that was great! Loved it!

        • I have respect for your Christian beliefs and would not press agnostic beliefs on you. For example, standing on street corners condemning Christianity and pressing agnostic. This has been a staple in the gay movement and is getting out of hand.

          Glad you enjoyed the comment about the straight parade. Clearly there was silence from the homosexuals. Keep you morals and your strong personal beliefs. No number of parades, rainbows or televised marriages will cause me to change my opinion. It just reinforces the notion of attention grabbing childish behavior.

          • Love all you have to say, and it is so true, we don’t parade our stuff for others to witness and make them accept….

          • You must not have heard of the Miss USA pageant or the Kardashians reality show that has a lot to do with heterorsexual goings on.

            Please spare us your blindness of what goes on around you so as to complain about what gays do as though it’s any different.

            Your opinion does not have to change. In fact, you can keep it to yourself, why dontcha? You want others to not express themselves.

          • I would be happy to keep my heterorsexual beliefs to myself if you keep your homosexual beliefs to yourself. Once again, it has to be a two way street.

            Until then… Proud to be straight!

    • The bible says a lot of things that even you do not listen to, I am assuming you have never actually read the bible; only handed out verses from someone who wanted to give lessons. Otherwise you wouldn’t write such things.

        • Freddy was HIV positive and died of Aids related pneumonia.How is this disease ever going to go away if people do not acknowledge the truth?

        • Next time read a biology book and learn that AIDS/HIV does not kill people, it just weakens the immune system to allow a secondary illness to overwhelm potentially causing eventual death.

          Modern science has figured out how to counter act the effects of AIDS by boosting the immune system and the mortality rate of people that are infected with the illness has greatly improved.

          If you are implying that AIDS is GOD’s punishment for homosexuality, it wasnt a very effective punishment.

          • I made no mention of God, my dear, nor did I mention punishment.
            Denial kills people, HIV affects the entire population and is spread in many ways, there are ways to prevent this such as safe sex,needle exchange and above all, education.
            Please don’t let defensiveness blind you to reality.

          • And let me add that “just weakening the immune system “is a big, big problem for the human body.Please do not trivialize such an important fact.

          • The GOD comment was for Whatisnext. Bringing up AIDS in a Gay Marriage disscussion has no relevance except for people that believe AIDs and homosexuality.

            I am not trivializing AIDs as being a desease. I am trivializing the notion that AIDs effects the gay community as a supernatural effect for percieved immoral behavior.

    • read (CHAPTER 1 OF ROMANS) mentions same sex relationships is actually an abomination

  5. I am proudly in a tradional relationship!!! I am proud to be straight and I am proud to support a male and female relationship!!!

    • I also refuse to be vilified for not supporting gay marriage. We also have a right to not agree with your lifestyle choice. Just as I do not have to agree with and support the life style choices of sadist, polygamist and Christians.

      I have the right to not support your belief as you have the right not support mine. I am not evil or a criminal for having my own beliefs.

      This has to be a two way street.

      • I’m with ya on that. It seems that nowadays gays really want to be accepted and will do anything do be accepted like parading themselves around. We’re all allowed to hold our own beliefs

  6. As someone who came out when I was 15 years old and am now about to be 29, it has been a great struggle to come to the point where we are now. I never chose to be gay, I never “chose” to live a difficult life, this is just what I am and I am proud to be who I am and I never thought we would be where we are now, and its just a great feeling and overwhelming at the same time. To be able to marry the person you love means the world to anyone, straight or gay. I can only be optimistic for change nationwide, but at least I know we are moving in the right direction. Thank you all who support us, our friends and family, who have always held fair to our beliefs that love is not a gender, but a feeling.

    • Love conquers all, Angie and you are demonstrating it. You are an example of someone who, through difficulty, stood for somenthing important and won.

      Congratulations to you and those who stood by you no matter how difficult at times. It was worth it.

    • Interesting Fact: Many, if not most, pedophiles say they were born with this innate attraction to children. Maybe they should have a parade in an effort to become socially acceptable.

  7. I’M NOT JUDGING NO ONE, EVERYONE IS ENTITLE TO HAVE THERE OWN LIFE THE WAY THEY WISH TO HAVE . BUT MY ISSUE IS THAT GAY PEOPLE DOESN’T RESPECT IN PUBLIC THEY WANT THE ATTENTION AND OVER REACT IN PUBLIC. WHICH IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR KIDS TO SEE. IF ONLY THEY WILL BE LIKE A REGULAR MAN AND WOMAN COUPLE . WE HAVE FAMILY VALUES AND WE CARE FOR OUR KIDS. KIDS AT A YOUNGER AGE DONT UNDERSTAND WHY A MAN IS KISSING A MAN, WHICH THERE MIND IS SET IN A DIFFERENT WAY BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT BIRN IN A GAY RELATIONSHIP. I DON’T THINK ANY CHILDREN IS BORN IN A GAY RELATIONSHIP.
    ANYWAYS IS NOT OF MY BUSINESS WHAT GAY OEOPLE DO. ALL I HAVE TO DO IS TAKE CARE OF MY CHILDREN .
    I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHY IM WASTING NY TIME HERE I GUESS I HAVE NOTHING TO DO. I WONDER WHAT COMES NEXT TO LEGALIZED IN CALIFORNIA.

    • You cant hide your children from what will be quickly be legal in this state. Just like you cannot not protect your children from the smog in the air. It is what it is, and theres no denying it now

      • So if that’s the case that we can’t hide children , why they rated programs and movies. I guess you have no children and if you do soon you’ll let them watch porn. Because since we should have open minds now with this law everything should be legal.

        • I agree with Kizzy, I don’t want to know what your sexual desire is, who you want to sleep with, or anything about your bedroom antics. If you feel being married makes you acceptable for being a freak, then get married.
          As long as I am a free American I will choose what to support or believe in. I don’t think it’s a wonderful time to celebrate, to have a rainbow in my window, or to feel good about this. some of us still believe it’s not natural and if you feel it is just to justify yourself, then keep it to yourself. We don’t go around town saying we don’t like the gay lifestyle, so don’t go around telling us we have to accept it.
          Be adults, keep your personal bedroom lives private. It’s ok not to come out and show the world that you are not of the norm. And please, it’s not normal, or natural. Gay people do not have children by themselves. They need help, and I don’t mean adoption either. They can not reproduce by themselves. How is it that animals get this but we don’t?
          Stick to your guns Kizzy, you are right…my children are grown and they know the difference

          • Why is it all about sex? Do you think that is the only reason people love each other? Marriage is much more then procreation.

            You also realize that there is well documented evidence of same sex pairings (both sexual and non sexual) in animals right? Primates especially.

        • I also agree. Moved from down town Long Beach where it is highly gay friendly. My husband and I don’t go around making out just to get the attention. Kids are gonna definitely grow up way to fast now. When I was little I did not even understand what gay was. People aren’t born gay they choose to be. There is no gay gene as learned in Psychology class.

    • @Kizzy. Were you born in California or did you move here and if you did, from where?

  8. Here is my issue with some of these post. As people of faith aren’t we suppose to NOT judge others?

    • When it is crammed down our throats on a daily basis that we must accept the gay community with open arms even though our beliefs are not of this thinking, then YA we are going to judge, not the person but the behavior. The individual is not being attacked here, it’s the life style. You can’t tell me that when a person chooses to live in a gutter, eat trash out of the dumpster, or never take care of personal hygiene you don’t judge them?
      I know a few gay people and they do not parade around town making sure everyone knows it…don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t care

      • Exactly it’s like straight people parading around being proud of being straight. Then gay people would take it as offensive

  9. THERES NO NEED TO RALLY!! KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!! I DON’T WANT MY KIDS LOOKING AT MEN HOLDING HANDS AN KISSING OR WOMAN THAT LOOK LIKE MEN WITH WOMEN!!! RIGHT ON YOUR GAY BUT THERE’S NO NEED TO CELEBRATE IT AN FOR MAN N WOMEN COUPLES WITH KIDS TO SEE ALL OF THIS!

      • Do you keep your kids from watching violent shows on tv and in the movies or the news where there is a murder every news show?

        • I know, right, William? Gun battles, soft core sex on basic cable, but god forbid they see two people love each other in a G rated way!

          • ‘Selective Outrage’ is the new trend. It’s OK for them if straight couples hold hands, if pregnant women are seen in public flaunting their products of sexual intercourse, but 2 men or women holding hands makes them apoplectic.

            I guess these folks will simply disown or even drown their kids if they turn out to be gay. They certainly can’t accept it.

    • They are way too flamboyant. Like they purposely want to shove it our faces. People don’t have the “gay gene”. Genes are what give us our hair color, skin color, eye color, ect.

  10. why are ppl getting so excited it hasent even been aprroved yet why all the cheer do you even know why your cheering nooo dont put up your rainbow flags up just yet lol

  11. Im not homosexual and I don’t see why some people get so upset. If no one is forcing you to marry someone of the same sex why do you care if someone else does?? Your life won’t be affected. Unless of course you’re nosy and just want to complain about everything that goes on outside your life that doesn’t affect you. I don’t see how it would affect other people if two stranger to them of the same sexy got married. Or even if they weren’t strangers. Do what makes you happy and live your own life and let others be happy too.

  12. Soon we will see ppl marrying animals… Whatever, does not bother me, if someone wants to marry his cat, or old TV set he fall in “love” with.. Really, I could not care less. I am more concerned about thugs killing ppl on the streets.

  14. if god wanted two of the same to get married he would have made jesus with another man how is two men two women suppoed to procreate hmmmm there is only so many crack babies they can adopt keep it between man and women

      • How would you know? Do you actually believe everything that has been implanted in your gray matter? If your views are that Jesus wasn’t married, to a woman or anyone else it could also be otherwise don’t you think. What if he actually was and real facts were concealed. Now what? All I read was this story: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodom_and_Gomorrah

        • So, THAT story was implanted in your gray matter, it seems.

          Boy, you set yourself up for that.

    • What about young couples with fertility issues, or older couples who married late past the age to concieve a child? Or women who don’t want children to begin with? Are they “wrong” and “freaks of nature” also?
      I’ve been hearing this argument since high school and I have to say, it STILL is the most asinine one I’ve heard.

  16. i think it’s time that we except everyone. if my child wants to marry someone of the same sex i want them to be able to . it’s about love and the right to love who you want. i don’t think anyone has the right to tell me or anyone else who we can marry. so love eachother and be happy. :)

    • Whats sad is closed minded people like you who feel you have a right to judge and give an opinion on how people choose to live their lives.

        • Judge all you want. Sometimes at night, neighbor’s dogs will start barking,then the other dogs with chime in.

          You are no different. Barking at the moon or chasing cars you’ll never catch. But, it’s fun to watch except the barking can get annoying just like you.

          And, you can’t help yourself, can you? Whatever is inside you that can’t accept things has to keep barking. Oh, well. Just make sure you don’t bite anyone.

          You remind me of someone named FOREWARNED that used to grip just like you and then she disappeared. Maybe you’ll disappear from this site eventually and then the barking will stop.

          • Maybe she disappeared after realizing that there were too many fringe liberals here, but I’m here to stay!

        • I know, Trudy. Ever have a piece of gum stuck your shoe? That’s what you are like here.

          It’s annoying for us but you should see what the gum looks like after a while.

    • The gays can not compare their struggle to being married to that of the civil rights and woman’s rights. We can’t help the color of our hair, skin, eyes. Therefore being gay is a choice. No one is born gay. Let them catch all the illnesses.

  18. I am so proud of the LGBTQ community in the Antelope Valley to have the courage to come out in one of the most conservative areas in California to celebrate this historic day!

    • Yes THANK YOU AvTimes for bringing the news to our community fair and square as it is, with no bias or judgement. Greatly appreciated.

  20. I DONT THINK BEING AGAISNT SAME SEX MARRIAGE IS HATE WHAT IT IS MY BELIEFS ARE DIFFERENT THAN YOURS, MYSELF I DONT HATE ANYONE I RESPECT YOUR OPINION AND WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT IT @ THE SAME TIME RESPECT MINE AND WHAT I THINK ABOUT IT .IS NOTHING IN THIS WORLD THAT WOULD CONVINCE ME THAT MARRIAGE BEETWEN 2 MENS OR 2 WOMANS ITS OK.

    • Just don’t stand in my way to marry another man if I so choose. That is my right to do so. And for our marriage to be treated as equal to yours!

    • Faith, you can hold different “beliefs” of anything you want, but you must respect the law. In the USA, a legally married couple is to be treated as legally married federally. You may believe that green lights are a figment of your imagination, but if you do not drive forward at a green light you are in violation of the law. So respect the law and respect Gay Marriage. Believe anything you want to, but Gay Marriage is not an opinion. In California, it’s a law.

    • Their so flamboyant and will stop at nothing to get their way. So next election everyone make a smart vote!