He served his country to ensure our freedoms, now wants freedom to marry.
CHICO -- As part of a nationwide protest to draw attention to their cause, about 500 opponents of Proposition 8 rallied in City Plaza Saturday.

"We will take to the streets until we're given our rights under the law," said Rob Regur, who married his partner Dan on Oct. 11.
The group that organized the local protest, Butte County Families for Equality, was formed 10 days ago to garner community support to help repeal the gay marriage ban.
Carrying handmade signs and yelling chants denouncing hate and inequality, hundreds marched up Broadway, across Second Street, around the Farmers Market and back down Main Street to City Plaza.

"We want people who may have supported Proposition 8 to know that we are your friends, your family and your neighbors," said organizer Sue Hilderbrand, who works at the Chico Peace and Justice Center.

There appeared to be no opposition supporters on any of the sidewalk corners or at City Plaza during the public protest.
"We prepared for it, but we saw nobody," Hilderbrand said.
Before the march, a program was held featuring local musicians and leaders of the gay community. Chico Mayor Andy Holcombe, Vice Mayor Ann Schwab and City Councilor Scott Gruendl (who married his partner this year) also made appearances at the rally.

One of the protesters was Tyler Johnson, 24, who was unable to marry his partner, James Temple, before the passing of Proposition 8 because Temple's 18th birthday falls next January.
Having spent three years — 2003 to 2006 — serving in the Navy, Johnson said he feels cheated out of his basic rights.
"I fought for our right for freedom and free speech, and we're all supposed to be created equal, but according to the law I'm not equal to marry the person I love," he said.

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