Horns were honking for several hours early Saturday afternoon, supporting about 120 gay rights activists with signs and flags who were protesting the recent approval of California’s Proposition 8.

Proposition 8 defines marriage as between a man and a woman in the state of California, and the protest held on the Square in Denton was one of many nationwide gay rights rallies Saturday.

Other states such as Florida and Arizona also recently banned gay marriage.

There were many supportive honks throughout the afternoon, said John McClelland, president of the Stonewall Democrats of Denton County, a gay and lesbian political organization.

However, one protester said she had seen an obscene hand gesture from one driver.

By amending the California state constitution, everyone’s rights were threatened, McClelland said.

“If you take away the rights of one, you can take away anything from anyone,” he said.

Deborah Leliaert and Paula Woolworth, who took part in the protest Saturday, decided to get married in California in October after seven years of living as a couple.

But now they are in “legal limbo,” Leliaert said.

There is still debate on whether Proposition 8 retroactively nullifies same-sex marriages. California Attorney General Jerry Brown told the Associated Press that the measure is not retroactive. But his view is likely to be challenged, and the final decision may be left up to the California Supreme Court.

Ultimately, Leliaert said, she believes that gay marriage will need regulation at the federal level.

Until then, the benefits of a marriage are denied for the couple, she said.

“If I die, she’s not entitled to my Social Security benefits,” Leliaert said.

Leliaert said she is using her buying power to purchase goods and services from companies that support gay rights and avoiding companies that outwardly discriminate against gays.

“I’ve fired my financial planner because he doesn’t support gay rights,” she said.

CANDACE CARLISLE can be reached at 940-566-6889. Her e-mail address is ccarlisle@dentonrc.com.