Marchers protest gay union bill

07 Oct 2006- Pretoria- South Africa - A memorandum urging the protection of the sanctity of marriage was handed to the government on Saturday.

Protesters had prayed silently before marching to the Union Buildings, carrying banners reading "Protect the sanctity of marriage", and "One man and one woman for life".

The demonstration follows the recent introduction of the Civil Union Bill, which makes provision for same-sex civil unions.

The Marriage Alliance, which opposes the recognition of gay unions, was protesting for a constitutional amendment to preserve the definition of marriage - ruled unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court last year - as a union between a man and a woman.

The alliance said it would not object to the recognition of same sex partnerships, but not as marriage.

It had asked that the constitution be changed to define marriage as a voluntary union between a man and a woman.

The Constitutional Court last year ordered the government to amend the Marriage Act to reflect the legality of same-sex marriages.

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