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CHEYENNE -- A new statewide campaign in support of gay marriage kicked off Monday in front of the Capitol building in Cheyenne.

More than 70 people attended the rally, including one of four same-sex couples who recently filed a lawsuit in state court, along with the National Center for Lesbian Rights, challenging Wyoming's ban on marriage for gays and lesbians.

"I think this is a landmark in Wyoming and I'm excited to be part of it," said Chuck Killion, who appeared with his partner, Ivan Williams.

Jeran Artery, chairman of Wyoming Equality, said advocates will hold rallies and discussions throughout the state to build support for the lawsuit and their goal -- to make civil unions between same-sex couples legal in the state.

"As that case makes it way through the courts, there is nothing more important that we can do than have meaningful conversations about why marriage matters to all of Wyoming's families," Artery told supporters Monday.

"At the end of the day, marriage for same-sex couples is about treating others like we would like to be treated," he added. "In Wyoming right now, loving same-sex couples and their families are being denied the protections that only marriage can provide."