Source: KESQ TV, Desert Sun
Protests are
scheduled for Saturday in Palm Springs and throughout the country.
About 400 people peacefully protested the passage of Proposition 8 Thursday night at Palm Springs' weekly VillageFest, with about 30 Palm Springs police officers keeping watch.
"We don't want to characterize everyone who voted 'yes' (on Prop 8) as a bigot," said Terry Applegate, a local organizer with the unsuccessful No-on-8 campaign.
She added, "Homophobia does not get erased (just) in a few months."
Less than a week after a march against the recently passed measure took a hostile turn, about 30 Palm Springs police officers were at the scene to prevent a similar incident.
"We're standing by and watching to make sure everything remains peaceful," Sgt. Mitch Spike told KESQ early Thusday evening.
Palm Springs resident and anti-gay activist Phyllis Burgess, who was at the center of a disturbance last week outside City Hall was also reportedly at the scene and carried a cross.
"I have a right to be here," she said, according to Desert Sun. "It’s not to antagonize, but it exposes where the hatred is."
Last week, a candlelight service in front of City Hall drew more than 500 protesters and quickly got out of hand when Burgess marched a Styrofoam cross into the crowd. Demonstrators grabbed the cross from Phyllis Burgess and stomped it. The crowd eventually trampled it to pieces.
Police are investigating a possible assault.
"They began grabbing me," Burgess told the Desert Sun last week. "It was like a dog pack, actually."
Burgess became a hero of the right wing after a videotape of the incident taken by KPSP-TV was posted on YouTube. [clip below]
Burgess, 69, has yet to press charges, Spike said, according to Desert Sun.
Police escorted Burgess last night and kept her away from the crowd.
"I don't want a repeat of what happened on Friday," said Palm Springs resident Vincent Corrales, who organized the event by sending out 1,200 e-mails.
"We have a right to be angry, but there's no need for violence."
Last week's protest was the largest in the county since 52 percent of voters statewide approved Proposition 8. In Riverside County, which includes Palm Springs, the measure passed with a greater margin -- 64 percent, Desert Sun reports.
On Saturday, the Desert Pride Community Center plans another demonstration in front of Palm Springs City Hall, as part of a national day of protest against the state's ban on same-sex marriage.
The demonstration is set for 10:30 am to coincide with the similar events elsewhere, organizers said.
Same-sex marriage is an issue that resonates with many, especially in the Palm Springs area, which boasts one of the largest gay populations per capita in the United States.
[youtube:VziklUbtHAE&hl=en&fs=1" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" mce_src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VziklUbtHAE&hl=en&fs=1" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" />
Source: Gay Marriage Supporters Step Out in Palm Springs Against Ban | KESQ TV
Hundreds participate in rally against Prop 8, ends peacefully | Desert Sun