Gay Rights Groups Protest at St. Thomas

Two nationally recognized opponents of gay marriage drew controversy at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

About two hundred students and gay rights advocates marched on the University campus. They protested outside a Marriage and Family Life Forum held by the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

The Archdiocese says about three hundred people attended the forum to hear well-known gay marriage opponents, Maggie Gallagher and Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of Oakland, California. They’re known for their work on Proposition 8 in California to end gay marriage.

Gay and lesbian couples say it’s time for acceptance. Reverend Rebecca Voelkel of United Church of Christ said, “We want to have Minnesota honor our love and commitment.”

The Archdiocese released a statement saying in part, “… opposition to same sex marriage is consistent with the centuries old theology of the Catholic Church.” The protest and seminar ended peacefully.