A man has revealed that he has been on a 12 day hunger strike and will continue to starve himself until gay couples in Utah are banned from marrying.
The US state earlier this week officially filed to ask the US Supreme Court to put on hold the issue of marriage licences to same-sex couples.
Trestin Meacham has told local media that he will fast until gay couples are once again banned from marrying in his home state.
He has justified his campaign by saying that the "natural rights" of free speech and religious freedom have been "violated."
“I cannot stand by and do nothing while this evil takes root in my home," the 35-year-old reportedly wrote on his blog. "Some things in life are worth sacrificing one’s health and even life if necessary. I am but a man, and do not have the money and power to make any noticeable influence in our corrupt system. Nevertheless, I can do something that people in power cannot ignore."
"I will go without food or drink, but will continue to drink water, and take weekly vitamin supplements.
“On Friday the 20th of December, a federal judge overturned the State Constitution of Utah and ruled against and its restriction against same sex marriage. In so doing, Article 1 Section 8 and the 10th Amendment of the U.S Constitution were violated.
"Even worse a law voted on by a strong majority of the people of Utah was rescinded, thus robbing the people of their voice in government. And if this law remains, the natural rights of free speech and religious freedom, vouched safe by the first Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, will be violated."
But he added some of his best friends and relatives are gay and that his campaign has nothing to do with hate.
“This has nothing to do with hatred of a group of people. I have friends and relatives who practice a homosexual lifestyle and I treat them with the same respect and kindness that I would anyone. This is about religious freedom, and an out of control federal government.”