‘19 Kids’ star Josh Duggar leads anti-gay marriage rally at Arkansas capitol

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Opponents of same-sex marriage rallied at the Arkansas state Capitol on Wednesday, demanding that the state Supreme Court not overturn a 2004 ballot measure that defines marriage in Arkansas as being between one man and one woman.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that about 300 people — most of whom oppose same-sex marriage — gathered on the Capitol steps and listened as “19 Kids and Counting” star Josh Duggar asked the court not to reverse the 2004 vote.

Duggar, now Executive Director FRC Action, is the oldest child of the Tontitown, Ark., family featured in the TLC reality show. He said America’s strong economy is linked to its strong families and strong faith, adding that there is an “agenda to silence us, to silence those of us who believe in what is right.”

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“Let me tell you, they’re taking away your right to speak,” said Duggar. “And I call on the Arkansas Supreme Court to stand with the people and to honor their vote.”

Then many in attendance marched to the Arkansas Supreme Court on the Capitol grounds, where they bowed their heads or kneeled in prayer.

The Arkansas Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Thursday in an appeal of a circuit judge’s ruling that allowed same-sex marriages. A federal hearing in U.S. District Court on gay marriage is also scheduled for Thursday.