California’s Supreme Court has upheld a ban on same-sex marriage, disappointing gay rights campaigners across the USA, who took to the streets in solidarity. The California Council of Churches has condemned the Court’s decision.

California’s leading gay rights organisation is launching an ad campaign to promote acceptance of gay marriage, and is also forming a coalition of 1,000 clergy to help change negative religious attitudes towards same-sex unions.

Activists disappointed by a measure to ban same-sex marriage in California that has deeply divided religious groups, say nationwide protests against the prohibition are a milestone in civil rights for gays and lesbians.