More than 150 gay marriage supporters showed up at the National Organization for Marriage (NOW) “Summer of Marriage” tour bus stop at the First Christian Church in Winter Park. NOW is an organization that believes marriage should only be between one man and one woman. Only about 30 NOW supporters were there, and all but two of them stayed inside of the church, which was open to members only. Two men stood outside the church holding anti-gay-marriage signs, but they were dwarfed by the dozens of counter-protestors bearing messages in support of same-sex marriage.
Stand Up! Florida was a key organizer of the counter-protest.
“We had over 154 activists from four different states which is incredible, unbelievable,” said Anthony Farver, Stand Up! Florida’s executive director. “It was a day of unity like I have never seen, not just the gay community but we had the heterosexual community out there, husbands and wives with their children out there supporting our community.
For many, the counter-protest activities evolved into an entire day of rallies and activities in both Orlando and Tampa called “Celebrate Our Families.” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer issued a proclamation naming Aug. 8 “Celebrate Our Families Day.” About 60 people attended a screening of the documentary In Anita’s Wake: The Irrational War on Florida’s Gay Families at Joy MCC, which received a standing ovation.
