LGBT community, supporters block San Francisco streets to protest Prop. 8

Anticipating the possibility of a reactionary ruling from the California Supreme Court, the San Francisco branch of the PSL worked closely with the grassroots organization One Struggle, One Fight to plan civil disobedience and make our voices heard.

Protesters march against bigotry following the California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Prop. 8, San Francisco, Calif., May 26.

When the court decision was read, 211 people blocked a major intersection next to the Supreme Court, locking arms in a large circle. After an hour, the SFPD warned protesters to move or face arrest.

The activists stood in solidarity refusing to back down. The police moved in, arresting all 211 protestors, including four PSL members. Those arrested were detained for about three hours, cited and released.

That evening, a rally was held at City Hall. The crowd was militant and decided to march halfway through the program. The march lasted for about three hours, winding through the city with a brief stop at Yerba Buena Park.

The march made its way to the Castro district, blocking Market Street in both directions in another act of civil disobedience. About four thousand protestors took part in the action.

PSL member Stewart Stout led a speak out at Harvey Milk Plaza, allowing many community members the opportunity to share their stories and press forward for further protest and more militant action. The PSL will continue to fight for LGBT workers rights and will be in the streets to demand full liberation for all LGBT people.