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Gay couples march in California's rural center, kicking off latest front in marriage fight

GARANCE BURKE | Associated Press Writer

1:46 PM EDT, May 30, 2009

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Hundreds of same-sex couples are marching through dusty California farm towns in the state's conservative center to kick off the latest front in the battle over gay marriage.

Paying homage to the 1965 civil rights marches in Selma, Ala., the protest began Saturday in Selma, Calif.

Just days after California's highest court upheld a ban on gay marriage, gay-rights advocates say they won't be dissuaded. They are vowing to win the hearts and minds of those who reject their unions.

The weekend-long event has attracted well-known activists and celebrities like Charlize Theron. It was organized by a lesbian mother in Fresno who was removed from her son's Catholic school parent-teacher association when she spoke out against banning gay marriage.