Charleston gay rights advocates to join national protest

Gay rights advocates slightly changed their plans for Saturday's protest in Charleston.

The Charleston event, part of a nationwide protest of California voters' decision to end gay marriage in that state, will run from 1:30-2:15 p.m. Saturday at Liberty Square, the park at Concord and Calhoun streets.

The group had planned to march to Charleston City Hall by 1:30 p.m. for a rally there, but organizers were not able to get the necessary permit.

The time of the event has changed slightly from when it was announced Thursday because supporters hope to stage demonstrations in more than 175 cities nationwide at the same time on Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Although California voters rejected gay marriage in the sate, Connecticut and Massachusetts allow gay marriage.

Two years ago, South Carolina voters approved an amendment by a 3-1 margin that defined marriage as a bond only between a man and a woman. Opponents called it an unnecessary change that would send a hurtful message to the state's gay and lesbian community, but supporters said it was needed to prevent an activist judge from legalizing gay marriage here.