By Nicole Ryder

Special to The Communitarian

A Springfield man protested a “Ban Gay-Marriage” sign in front of a Havertown residence Oct. 29, despite the rain.

Steve Pickhaver, 44, said he felt the need to step up after a close, gay family member informed him of the sign.

Pickhaver rushed to the sidewalk of the Havertown home on the 1500 block of Burmont Road early in the afternoon to display home-made signs that read: “Love has no Gender!” and “Equality for Everyone!”

Later, his two sisters joined him in the gloomy weather to stand up for what they believe is right, they said.

The homeowner, Ed Quirk, 66, called the police after Pickhaver told him he was going to remain there until dusk. Since Pickhaver was not disrupting the

peace, authorities allowed him to continue protesting.

The following day, Quirk removed the anti-Gay marriage sign. But he continued to voice his objections. “The only people who are against [gay marriage] today are Republicans,” Quirk said. “We live in a country where it’s a marriage between a man and a woman. It shouldn’t be man- man or woman-woman because down the road there won’t be as many children. Future generations will be living in a society that is morally warped.”

Several passers-by slowed down to read Pickhaver’s messages. Most people that slowed down shouted words of encouragement: “You tell ‘em!” and “Thank you! ” Pickhaver said a simple gesture, even a smile, was much appreciated.

“I got a tear in my eye when I came to see [the sign] for myself,” Pickhaver said. “Gay marriage is unfairly accused of all the wrong stuff.”