A battle is brewing over gay rights in Cleveland, Ohio.

On Thursday, same-sex couples made history in the city by registering as domestic partners for the first time. 

The registry allows them to participate in each others medical care and other legal issues.

But a Christian legal group is protesting. The Alliance Defense Fund says the registry violates Ohio's marriage amendment.

The Rev. C. Jay Matthews led a prayer group with other local ministers inside Cleveland's City Hall on the National Day of Prayer.

After praying, the ministers marched to Public Square in demonstration against the registry.

"That lifestyle goes against God," Matthews said.

The amendment bans gay marriage and any legal status that resembles it.

Cleveland follows two other Ohio cities,Toledo and Cleveland Heights, that already have domestic partner registries.

Sources: The Free Library, Cleveland.com