San Jose Community Responds to Prop 8

In an overwhelming spirit of strength and unity, the people of San Jose marched into the streets early Sunday to protest the recent passing of Proposition 8. The participants numbered in the hundreds and included members from all walks of the San Jose community.

What began as a meeting in San Jose's Billy DeFrank center soon became a sizable mass, which quickly agreed to take to the streets and voice their outrage over the approval of the legislation that would eliminate the rights previously granted to same-sex couples by California's State Supreme Court.

Despite many people's anger, there was an air of peaceful resolve among the group, many of whom have seen similar discriminatory legislation passed in California's fight for equal rights. Many recalled the 61% majority by which 2000's Proposition 22 passed, compared to the much lower 52% of prop 8, noting that progress is indeed being made.

There were also some members of San Jose's religious community in attendance. One, a local minister, counciled that, "We cannot begin to assign blame. Now, more than ever, is the time to unite with all members of our community in the face of those who would seek to divide us".