Adam Ganucheau

The Clarion-Ledger

A small group protested a federal judge's decision to strike down the state's ban on gay marriage outside the federal courthouse in downtown Jackson Monday morning.

Three people, led by Rev. Jack Williams, the son of the house at Rocky Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Terry, displayed handmade signs along Court Street for passersby to see. Holding a bible in the air as drivers passed by, Williams cited the violation of biblical principles as the reason for the protest.

"On our currency, we have 'In God We Trust,'" Williams said. "In the pledge of allegiance, we have God's name diagrammed there. But now I'm wondering, what god are they talking about if they allow this to take place? If you allow this (ruling) to take place, you're falsifying the currency and the pledge of allegiance."

U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves ruled last week that the state of Mississippi's ban on gay marriage deprived same-sex couples of basic rights. A two-week hold was put on the ruling so the state of Mississippi could appeal their case to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. After two weeks, same-sex couples will be able to legally marry in the state unless the appellate court grants a further stay.

The group remained outside the courthouse for about an hour Monday morning.

Contact Adam Ganucheau at (769) 257-2995 or aganucheau@jackson.gannett.com. Follow @GanucheauAdam on Twitter.