The National Equality March saw tens of thousands of homosexual activists flood Pennsylvania Avenue and cover the lawn of the Capitol, denouncing legislation that many participants said didn't reflect policies of "love."
"This is my fourth one, and I'm getting tired. But I thought I'd try one more," said Charles Kress, of York, Pennsylvania. "DOMA? I mean, c'mon. Please."
Kress was referring to the Defense of Marriage Act — preventing recognition of gay marriage on the federal level — which was a focal point for activists along with "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the military rule that homosexual activists view as antithetical to both national security and human rights. Anti-discrimination laws, rights to adoption, and marital benefits for civil unions were also on the agenda.
 "Hopefully, the rally will show people that civil unions are not the same [as marriage]," said Brittany, 22, who hopes to one day legally wed her girlfriend, Miranda.
Lt. Dan Choi, who was kicked out of the Army this year after coming out of the closet, sounded like a preacher when he addressed the crowd in front of the Capitol, saying that it was "time to tell," a play on words of the military's policy. Signs like "Did we vote for your marriage?" and "Legalize gay" were held by both men and women activists, of different races and sexual orientations. Many activists came by bus from states across the U.S. as part of local lobbying groups.
The rally took place as battles rage in Washington State and Maine to overturn laws granting same-sex couples legal benefits. The hotly-contested Proposition 8 legislation in California, which prevents gays from marrying in the state, was a big loss for the homosexual lobby last November. But many who attended the rally were hopeful, saying that despite these major setbacks, they believed their cause was far from lost.
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