Colombia gay rights groups protest after court's gay marriage

[Judi Lynn]

Colombia gay rights groups protest after court's gay marriage
by the CNN Wire Staff
November 12, 2010 -- Updated 0724 GMT (1524 HKT)

(CNN) -- Gay rights advocates in Colombia planned to protest Friday after the nation's highest court rejected a lawsuit that could have legalized gay marriage there.

Protesters are planning to gather in the central square of the nation's capital Friday, said Yeiler Manuel Tapia Barrios, an activist from the coastal town of Baranquilla.

"We feel that they are violating our rights as citizens. We also pay the same taxes," said Tapia, 23.

After a hearing Thursday, Colombia's Constitutional Court voted 5-4 to dismiss a lawsuit arguing for a change in the country's civil code that would allow same-sex marriage in the South American country, claiming there was not sufficient evidence to proceed, CNN affiliate Caracol TV reported.

More:
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/11/12/colombia.gay.marriage/