Protestors call for equal rights

SANDPOINT - It didn't matter that it was cold outside. The occasional negative gesture or rude comment weren't an issue.

After all, the dozen or so protesters of a recent California vote banning gay marriage, those things paled in comparison to the lack of equal rights for all.

"I'm a strong supporter of equal rights for everyone," said Dr. Bill Barker, organizer of the Sandpoint protest.

A Sagle-based psychologist, Barker said he helped many people deal with issues of sexual orientation in their families.

When the call went out from Join the Impact encouraging communities to hold a day of protest of Proposition 8's passage, Barker said he knew it was something he wanted to do in Sandpoint.

Everyone in the country was asked to take a stand for equal rights

The community is blessed by its diversity, and one of its strengths is its support for others of differing views, Barker said, adding reaction to the protest was mostly positive with only a few negative comments.

One of the great things about the community is its support for equal rights and tolerance for different points of view, said Barker.

"There is a strong awareness that its important for everyone to have equal rights," he added.

For Sandpoint couple Bill and Shelly Johns, who attended the rally with their daughters, taking part was the right thing to do.

"We wanted to show our support for our friends and neighbors in the community," Shelly Johns said. "We simply believe that everyone has the right to get married."

Bill Johns said gender shouldn't come into the equation when it comes to marriage. If two people love one another and are committed to each other, then they should be allowed to marry if that is their wish.

"We know gay couples who have been together for 30 years and they have wonderful relationships," he said. "They are as committed as any couple and there's no reason why they should be allowed to get married."

By raising awareness of the issue, those attending the rally said they hope to educate community members that people should be allowed to marry the person they love.

Sooner or later, protesters said they believe same-sex marriages will be allowed across the country.

That kind of major change, even though it is a civil rights issue, will take time for understanding that to grow, Shelly Johns said.

"People need to be aware that others don't have these rights," she added.