Two different groups used their First Amendment right to peaceably assemble on Monday, each having a different message.

At lunch, a group of around 40 gathered to pray for the nation.

Participant Jan White said those who attended prayed about the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage, the condition of the country, comfort for the Charleston, S.C. families who lost their loved ones nearly two weeks ago and for repentance of the church for lack of prayer and standing for core values.

Yesterday afternoon a group of nearly 20 gathered at the courthouse holding signs saying, “Separate church and state,” “Equal Rights,” “Marriage is about love not gender,” and It’s the law! It’s your job! Issue the licenses.”

The group organized to protest Probate Judge Ben Bowden’s decision to not issue any more marriage licenses until he could read the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of same-sex marriage.

On Monday, Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore said a state supreme court order kept probate judges from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples for 25 days.

Later in the day, Moore said, “What the order means is that within that 25-day period no probate judge has to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple.”

While on the square, people came by and honked in support, while others yelled obscenities at the protestors.

“Say I do, Covington County,” said protestor Sydney Brunson.

Organizer Teresa Tolbert said she came from a family of good people.

“They would give you the shirts off their backs,” she said. “My dad always told me if you can sand up for someone, especially someone being bullied you should. I want to stand up for (gays and lesbians).”

Tolbert said she and her husband, Craig, have been married 27 years and she believes that everyone should have the freedom to be happy like they are regardless of creed, race or sexual orientation.

“It’s about love,” she said. “Judge Bowden needs to do his job. That’s what it’s about standing up for what’s right.”

Protestor Miranda Diel said the church was missing the point.

“These people just want to love and have families,” she said.