“Society has always regarded marital love as a sacred expression of the bond between a man and a woman. It is the means by which families are created and society itself is extended into the future. In the Judeo-Christian tradition it is the means by which husband and wife participate with God in the creation of a new human life. It is for these reasons, among others, that our society has always sought to protect this unique relationship. In part the erosion of these values has given way to a celebration of forms of expression most reject. We will resist the efforts of some to obtain government endorsement of homosexuality.”
— Ronald Reagan, July 12, 1984.
http://www.amnation.com/vfr/archives/002344.html
Sure but this wasn’t about Gay marriage. Focus on the Family showed up and believes that the best thing to do is make arguments for your point. Others didn’t attend believing that protests are the best way to advance an agenda. I’m certain that Reagan would have attended.