GAY MARRIAGE

Saturday’s rally in Columbia in support of gay marriage was the latest local event in response to increased focus on the issue nationwide. Recent events that have brought the issue to national attention:

November 2003: A Massachusetts high court declares a ban on gay marriage unconstitutional; authorizes gay marriages to begin in the state in mid-May.

Early 2004: President Bush shows support for a constitutional amendment declaring marriage is between a man and a woman.

Feb. 10: House Republicans in South Carolina propose bills that would tighten the state’s ban on gay marriage and would prevent gay couples married in other states from getting benefits in South Carolina.

Feb. 12: The Massachusetts Legislature suspends debate on a gay-marriage ban until March 11.

Last week: Gay and lesbian couples flock to San Francisco City Hall after city leaders decide to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.