Gay Pride March In Spartanburg Ends Peacefully

It is a controversial issue that had supporters and protestors out in full force Saturday in Spartanburg.

The first ever gay pride parade made its way through the streets of downtown Spartanburg as supporters marched and protestors demonstrated peacefully. And for those marching it was a day of history.

"This is an important day in history for gays and lesbians," said Harriet Hancock. "It's one of the first steps in achieving full civil rights for the gay community and i'm proud to be apart of it."

Hancock, who is heterosexual, joined several other homosexuals from the upstate and beyond to march on downtown Spartanburg for the first time ever. While Hancock and other supporters for gay rights were marching, so were protestors, who had made their way from across the upstate and beyond.

"We're hoping for a little more tolerance," said Jay Ault, a supporter of gay rights. "We know that's easier said than done. That a lot of people are set in their views and these don't change easily."

Joshua Spencer was one of the protestors who took to the street to express his views and opposition to the march.

"They want to bring their agenda to the people of Spartanburg and we want to oppose that agenda," said Spencer. Protestors like Spencer lined the streets with signs and words that let the supporters know how they felt about the parade.

One sign read, "Let Jesus save your life," and protestors walked alongside the supporters marching as they were urged to bring the signs. "Let's go ya'll, bring the signs," one protestor said. "Bring the signs."

Despite the opposition and disagreement on the issue, the controversial march went off without any problems and ended peacefully. However, few people changed their thoughts on the subject and continued to voice their opinion.

"I believe it's un-scriptual," said one protestor. "I believe it's unholy, and I believe it's an abomination of what the bible says."

"They have nothing else to do all day but come out here and watch us," said one supporter. "That's okay. They don't bother us."

But for supporters like Ault, they feel they have accomplished something.

"The time for pride is now," he said. "You've got to have pride in yourself and you've got to be true to yourself."