WASHINGTON - African-American pastors rallied in D.C. Tuesday against a plan to recognize gay marriages.

Earlier this month, the council voted yes on the first reading for the District to recognize gay marriages from other areas and just about everyone believes it's only a matter of time before the council considers a bill to legalize gay marriage in the city.

A group of D.C. pastors launched the first salvo against that with a rally at Freedom Plaza Tuesday. Churchgoers arrived with signs, chants and songs denouncing the D.C. Council for a recent vote to recognize gay marriage from other areas.

The demonstrators said the 12 to nothing vote does not represent the views of D.C. residents. "I'd rather be biblically courageous than politically correct," said Bishop Harry Jackson, a protest organizer.

"Marriage is between one man and one woman for one lifetime," added Deraye Walker, a protester.

Marion Barry, the lone council member who was absent for the vote, led the crowd in a chant. While Barry said he supports civil unions, he urged the demonstrators to lobby before the next vote on May 5.

"You got to go across the street and walk the halls of the city council, confront all 12 of the them eye to eye...," said Barry.

As police watched on, the protesters offered a prayer for the city council saying they would be back.

Inside, an openly gay council member was not impressed: "I am absolutely four square behind the notion of marriage equality and I will not be turned around, not by a group of protesters, not by anyone," said David Cantania, a D.C. council member.

There was particular support for that idea among young people in the District. "It's anyone's right to be married to whoever they want to be married to," said Eddie Schwartz, a D.C. resident.

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