Couples in California, where marriage had been legal for almost five months before the passage of Proposition 8 changed the law, showed their support for those who were unable to tie the knot before the proposition passed.

“All of our marriages are under the cloud of Proposition 8,” said Stuart Gaffney, 45. “Equality is an unfinished business in California.”

In Las Vegas, couples gathered with signs reading “Don't hate my love” and “No laws on love”. In New York, those showing up asking for marriage licenses were turned away.

Presently, gay marriage is only legal in Massachusetts and Connecticut, while 30 states not only do not have legalized gay marriage, but also have placed bans on it in their constitutions.

“We could get married in Massachusetts or Connecticut, but we'll wait a little and see what happens in New York,” said Matt Flanders, 37.

“It’s a matter of principle. This is our home, and we should be able to get married where we live, where our friends are,” he said.

Movements in other states

On Thursday, Hawaii's House of Representatives voted by a strong majority to allow same-sex civil unions.

In Maine and Minnesota, proponents of gay rights called for same-sex marriage legalisation and some legislators promised to do all they could.

“Those with strong families more than anyone are going to be able to rely on each other,” said Minnesota state senator Scott Dibble, who is one of the few openly gay members of the Legislature.

“So why does our own government try to stop that from happening? Why does our own government try to stop us from trying to take care of each other?” he added.

Back in California, arguments are set to be heard next month by the state Supreme Court regarding Proposition 8 and the overall validity of the large amount of same-sex marriages that took place before Proposition 8’s passage.