Protesters gather at courthouse in support of same-sex marriage

More than 200 people join together in Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – There were chants for equality Tuesday night as protesters, touting flags with messages of love, hope and acceptance, joined together at Jacksonville's Federal Courthouse in support of same-sex marriage.

"For me to be part of this, not only is it history, it's something that I'm going to leave to my children, but the children who are going to take care of me when I'm old," said rally organizer Keri Kidder.

More than 200 people joined together Tuesday, including Natalie and Paul Cordova, for them the event was a family affair.

The Cordova's brought their 7-year-old daughter, Johanna, to see history in the making.

"This is something we're fighting for, for our community and for our country," said Natalie Cardova. "To the kids to show them that nobody is better than anybody else and we are all created equal."

Tuesday night's rally was put together by the Jacksonville Committee for Equality, and it comes as the Supreme Court heard 80 minutes worth of arguments challenging California's Proposition 8, which voters approved back in 2008, banning same sex marriage.

"It looks like the proponents of Prop 8 who brought the case did not have standing to do so," said Jimmy Midyette. "My expectation would be that they will overturn Prop 8 and marriage will return to California."

Sights are now set on Wednesday, when Justices hear arguments over the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA. DOMA, defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

"We really wish they'll strike down DOMA, which will then give the federal protection to people that are already in states where gay marriage is legal," said Kidder. "Which will then pave the way for states to go, you know, if the federal government says it's okay. Let's just do it because it's going to happen eventually anyway."

Regardless of which way the Justices rule on Wednesday, the group that gathered in Jacksonville Tuesday night said there is no doubt the issue will continue to be debated. But, they remain hopeful that one day it won't be.

"This is the land of the free and we feel that everyone should be free," said Paul Cardova. "If it's the home of the brave, we need brave people to stand up."