Groups to push same-sex marriages

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP):

The constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in the host state of the Democratic National Convention has stirred anger and resentment among advocates for marriage equality, many of whom are converging on Charlotte this weekend for the city's gay pride festival.

Organisers say they hope the festival will draw attention to the issue and create momentum that lasts through the political convention that starts the following week. Some of the thousands of protesters expected at the convention will be demonstrating for gay marriage.

"We're excited that the convention is in Charlotte," said David Webb, one of the pride festival's organisers. "But we also want to show that we're united and will continue to push for change."

constitutional amendment in May

When North Carolina voters passed the constitutional amendment in May, supporters of gay marriage first demanded that Democrats rethink Charlotte as the location of their convention.

But advocates have since seized on the party gathering as a high-profile chance to make their message heard - with support from the party itself.

The national party is expected to approve marriage equality as part of its national platform during the convention being held from September 4-6.

Webb said public events like the festival and convention are important opportunities to rally same-sex couples who were discouraged by the North Carolina vote.

"It's an opportunity for the community to say, 'Yes. The state may have passed an amendment limiting our liberties, but we're going to keep fighting'. This is an opportunity to show the community and ourselves that, you know what, we're not down and out," he said.