Cedric Hatcher is an outspoken street evangelist and regular at Birmingham City Hall (Birmingham News FILE Photo/Jeff Roberts)

Headlines and newscasts around the nation reported Alabama's first legal same sex marriages as historic, but one Birmingham pastor this afternoon illustrated another view with his scathing public criticism.

Cedric Hatcher, an outspoken street evangelist and regular at Birmingham City Hall, took to the lectern during the public comment portion of today's meeting to express his disapproval of the marriages that took place just across Linn Park and around the state Monday.

"To me yesterday was one of the most bizarre scenes I've ever seen in the city," Hatcher said. "It was one of the most comedic scenes I've ever seen in public when I witnessed men with size 13 and 14 shoes out there kissing each other in the mouth in front of little kids. It was like a freak scene going on, that's what I call it."

Like his previous statements on social issues, Hatcher didn't soften his approach when criticizing the legalization of same-sex marriage. He delivered an abrasive critique instead.

Hatcher cited several Bible passages and decried the presence of children in ceremonies he believed were abominable.

Hatcher, who was among just a few preachers protesting the marriages in Linn Park Monday, also issues a reprimand to other pastors who have been quieter on the issue.

"I'm so delighted and honored that God would have me bold enough to stand and talk about these issues," he said. "Somebody should have stood up yesterday."

Further criticizing other pastors, Hatcher said he knows when his colleagues would finally speak out: When church fundraising eventually came under government scrutiny.

He went on the repeat criticisms from others opposed to the same-sex marriage, saying the relaxed definition of marriage would open to the door to other state-sanctioned unions that are currently outlawed.

'You're going to be able to marry your dog. You're going to be able to marry your cat," he said. "Ain't we going crazy in this world, ya'll?"

Hatcher said his rights as Christian are being reduced and his voice silenced, as other beliefs and lifestyles are celebrated and promoted as socially acceptable.

Nevertheless, Hatcher said he had a right to speak, and he would continue to exercise that right.

"Why are we scared today, preachers?" Hatcher said. "Everybody's coming out the closet but the saints."