KEVIN B. KLAUS/Arizona Daily Wildcat Musical Director Chris Tackett conducts a vocal performance by Desert Voices yesterday afternoon at El Presidio Park in downtown Tucson. The vocal performance was part of "Protecting Our Families: A Rally in Support of Fairness for the LGBT and Allied Community.

A lesbian reverend, a rapping poet and a straight Christian Republican mother all spoke Sunday in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The rally, "Protecting Our Families: a rally in support of awareness and of fairness for the LGBT and allied community," had a turnout of about 300 people, said Cathy Busha, one of the event's organizers.

Those who came out gathered in a friendly atmosphere to protest against a planned constitutional amendment, which would deprive gay and lesbian couples of many rights, including legal marriage.

Rally members assembled at El Presidio Park, which was decorated with balloons and signs reading, "Be my legal Valentine," "Choice is a human right" and "Value all families."

Volunteers handed out free water bottles and leaflets.

At about 1 p.m., Busha, a member of the Arizona Coalition for Fairness, was the first to speak, followed by more than 20 other speakers.

Busha emphasized the importance of the protest and encouraged people to actively oppose the amendment. Busha said in most of the 11 states where the law has already passed, people didn't have time to react and start an anti-movement.

In Arizona however, "we have 21 months and we can do this," Busha said.

Busha warned the audience about possible upcoming prejudice against the LGBT community that will be expressed before the decision is made.

"Be prepared to hear terrible lies about your life, family and love. It's going to hurt," Busha said in her welcome speech.

Not only members of the LGBT community were in attendance, but straight allies also expressed their support including Ron Bogard, a board member of the Human Rights Fund, Rep. Ted Downing, D-Ariz., Rep. Phil Lopes, D-Ariz., and Richard Elías, Pima County supervisor.

Edith Auslander, vice president and senior associate to the president at the UA, spoke on behalf of President Peter Likins.

"I'm pleased to be here, I applaud you for your efforts. I wish you all success, as does Dr. Likins, thank you for this honor," Auslander said during her short speech.

The vice president also said the UA strives to be a safe and nurturing place for members of the LBGT community.

The audience, consisting of gay and lesbian couples with and without children as well as straight allies, applauded every speaker.

The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom's Raging Grannies, a women's choir dressed as old ladies, managed to cheer up the audience between many speeches.

Everyone needs to stand together for the results to be effective, said Andrea Richardson, visitor of the rally and teen coordinator for Planned Parenthood of Southern Arizona.

She came to "support human rights," Richardson said.

Police were not present at any time during the rally.