SEATTLE – About 20,000 supporters of traditional marriage gathered at Safeco Field baseball stadium in Seattle for the “Mayday for Marriage” rally Saturday, May 1, to stand up for the biblical stance on homosexuality. The rally was organized by many conservative Christian churches in the state in response to growing concerns in regards to clarify the definition of marriage as the union between one man and one woman. The rally was led peacefully as a worship service accompanied with prayer and Christian music.
Dr. James Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family, who attended the rally as a keynote speaker, focused his speech on the definition of marriage. Dr. Dobson declared that it is time to put a stop to the growing concern about granting marriage licenses to homosexual couples. “If this (gay marriage) happens, the culture war is over and everything associated with it is lost,” he said. He also told the crowd to stand up for the traditional institution of marriage, which is defined as the union between a man and a woman.
“We believe it is time to take a stand for the institution that has been the backbone of society for thousands of years,” said Joe Fuiten, Mayday for Marriage spokesperson and local pastor. “We believe that the sacred act of marriage must be preserved as originally intended by God, and that any attempt to change the definition of marriage will dilute its purpose of preserving the family structure for future generations to come.”
Various other speakers also displayed concerns about homosexual marriages in regards to Christian faith. “By accepting this (gay marriage), we risk to lose the blessing that God has blessed us. The cost is too high. Let us be known that they (gay couples) will not gain sanctuary in this highway. To Christian faith, we ask you to reject same sex marriage.”
One speaker expressed his concerns for homosexual couples saying, “The Bible tells us to pray for those who are in the opposition. We pray for them to turn away from their iniquities and be healed by the will of God. It is a spiritual battle that we need to pray on.”
The crowd exploded in wild cheering and applauding as Ken Hutcherson, a former Seattle Seahawk player who is now a pastor, emphasized on what the Bible says about marriage. “Marriage is between one man and one woman. The law of God should stay the same,” he said.
Meanwhile, about 2,000 gay-rights protestors gathered outside the stadium carrying signs written “Freedom from religious oppression” and some defiant words against Christians . The protestors chanted, “What do we want? We want equality. Go home Bigots.” Some protestors were arrested while demonstrating.
Kwan D. contributed to this report.
