Gay marriage opponents, supporters rally at state Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- One man was arrested as hundreds of opponents and supporters of gay marriage held competing rallies Tuesday at the state Capitol.<br><br>Gay marriage opponents carried signs on the

Tuesday, February 17th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- One man was arrested as hundreds of opponents and supporters of gay marriage held competing rallies Tuesday at the state Capitol.

Gay marriage opponents carried signs on the Capitol grounds saying "ban gay marriage." Supporters of gay marriage held a rally across the street.

State lawmakers were scheduled to consider a resolution asking Congress to take action to block such marriages.

Rep. Rebecca Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City, the author of the resolution, says it is necessary to prevent same-sex marriages from being allowed by judicial decree.

Jim Craig, a gay marriage supporter and spokesman for the Interfaith Diversity and Equality Association of Oklahoma City, says those opposed to these marriages want to prevent gays from achieving full freedom and equality.

Authorities arrested one man during the rally who had placed Nazi swastikas on the Oklahoma state flag and waved a mock assault weapon in a crowd of gay marriage opponents.