SAVANNAH: Rally Held In Protest Of Gay Bashing By Two U.S. Marines

About 150 activists gathered in downtown Savannah, Georgia yesterday in protest of last week's attack on a gay man by two U.S. Marines.

At the Sunday rally, Georgia Equality Savannah Chapter Director Kevin Clark said it is important for the community to realize how often gay residents are attacked because of their sexual orientation. "It's important to realize the attack on Kieran was not the only one," Clark said. "There have been many, many, many more." After a brief delay at the start of the rally, organizers, clergy and city leaders took turns at the lectern sharing at times tearful accounts of hate inflicted on the gay community. Supporters in the crowd held signs calling for an end to hate. One person was asked by Savannah-Chatham police officers watching over the event to remove a sign that carried an anti-heterosexual message. "As a gay man, it's alarming that this is still happening - and it will happen again," Mark Hill said. "It seems like someone can just point you out." Brittany Kaiser sat quietly as city Alderman Jeff Felser offered his support to the community. Her words appeared to sum up the sentiments of other rally attendees. "I see this all too often, and it's time for a change," Kaiser said.

The two Marines were only charged with misdemeanor assault, but prosecutors are meeting today to discuss more serious charges. The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.