Gay activists: Marriage secondary to basic rights

07/31/09 AP:

CLAYTON, Mo. — Gay marriage and gays in the military may dominate the eadlines, but activists in many states say their fight is much more fundamental: basic rights and protections against discrimination in employment, housing and public acommodation. Activists from state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organizations from throughout the U.S. are meeting in Missouri this week to share their efforts to make inroads in state legislatures, municipalities and school districts.