Gay rights activists meet in Green Bay By Anna Krejci News-Chronicle The policy against discrimination based on sexual orientation in the state's public schools became an argument in support of same-sex marriages at a gay rights activist meeting in Green Bay on Monday. The meeting at Historic West Theatre was held in response to the constitutional amendment passed by the state Legislature in March that would ban gay marriages, domestic partnerships or civil unions. Susan Allen, a Green Bay Southwest High School teacher who is a faculty co-advisor for the school's Gay Straight Alliance, said in 1986, Wisconsin was the first state to approve legislation protecting students from discrimination based on sexual orientation. By banning same-sex marriage, the state will send an inconsistent message to students whose rights to education have been protected throughout their childhood, but who as soon as they become adults and want to be married, are no longer considered equal, she said. Allen referred to arguments used to support racial segregation in schools in the 1950s. "Separate but equal was an insult to education, and separate but equal is an insult to marriage today," she said. About 150 people of diverse sexual orientation appeared in opposition to the amendment during a Green Bay Civil Marriage Equality meeting sponsored in part by Action Wisconsin. Gay couples gave personal testimonies and an American Civil Liberties Union attorney addressed legal questions. Gail Rusch, an area middle school teacher, spoke about her 12-year relationship with her same-sex partner. Together, they are raising two children. As a family, they have struggled to find acceptance, Rusch said. When Rusch and her family attended a Rainbow Family convention with other families led by same-sex couples, she recalled her son saying, "I can't believe there are this many families like our family." Rusch's partner, Pam Maier, also an area middle school teacher, said she desires equal treatment for her family. "I want dignity and respect for my family," she said. National ACLU Lesbian and Gay Rights Project staff attorney, John Knight, said although same-sex couples can leave property to their partner through contract, contracts are not as legally strong as the rights that accompany marriage. If someone dies and has left property to their same-sex partner, the family of the deceased can more successfully challenge the contract in court. "That kind of fight is gonna be much less likely when you're able to marry," Knight said. Health care and child custody rights will be stronger with marriage too, he said. A common question from those opposed to same-sex marriage is whether it will lead to marriage between more than two people. Knight said he believes one will not prompt the other. "We're simply asking for something that straight couples have," he said. Members of the audience appealed to attendees to contact state senators and representatives, saying some have voted to support the amendment because they have not heard from same-sex marriage supporters. A handful of supporters of the ban on same-sex marriages gathered outside the theater. "My feeling is as the Bible says. Homosexuality is a sin," said Terry Knutson.