Utah County residents gathered Monday night to show opposition to California's Proposition 8 and lend support to gay and lesbian friends at a candlelight vigil in Provo's Pioneer Park.

• ABOUT 70 PARTICIPANTS held candles and walked near the edges of the park, including co- organizers David Whitlock and Melissa Poole, and fellow presenter Carole Miller.

Miller, who has a gay son, said she is a supporter of gay rights. She said many gays and lesbians suffer from emotional issues stemming from fear of coming out and subsequent mistreatment.

Poole said the idea for the event was hashed on Saturday when she heard about a similar meeting that took place on Sunday in Salt Lake City.

"My main purpose in doing this, in light of Proposition 8, is that I want our gay and lesbian friends to know there's a base of support for them here in Utah County," Poole said. "Everyone deserves love and tolerance and to be able to make choices that are best for their lives."

Whitlock, Poole's boyfriend, referenced Martin Luther King Jr.'s crusade for civil rights.

"Different cause, same mission," he said.

All members of the community should be treated equally and have the opportunity to pursue a life of happiness, Whitlock said.

Tosh Metzger said all should have the same rights. He believes that high school- and college-aged people have become more accepting of the homosexual community.

"We're here to support people who are against discrimination," he said.

• Sam Scorup can be reached at (801) 344-2561 or sscorup@heraldextra.com