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Thousands Celebrate At San Francisco Pride Parade

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – In the wake of New York's passage of a law legalizing same-sex marriage, this weekend's San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade was a chance for the city to show its spirit from across the country.

Hundreds of thousands lined Market Street on Sunday morning for the 41st annual parade. This year's theme is "In Pride We Trust."

As usual, the parade was led by Dykes on Bikes, a women's motorcycle contingent.

The event held even more meaning for many who were not only celebrating progress made in California, but also drawing inspiration from across the country, where New York just legalized gay marriage.

KCBS' Bob Melrose Reports:

San Francisco Police Chief Greg Suhr said he's been a part of the festivities for at least three decades.

"It's gotten bigger, that's for sure," he said. "And I think there's more police officers in it now than before. Not everybody that's in it from the department is gay. We're all just one big family."

The mood was optimistic as many in attendance said they hoped California would join the six other U.S. states where gay couples enjoy full marriage rights.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is currently mulling the constitutionality of Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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