Eight years ago, the people of a small conservative town in South Carolina voted overwhelmingly for a state amendment banning gay marriage.

Today, residents of Latta are rallying to the defense of their sheriff, Crystal Moore, after she was fired and condemned by the mayor because her lifestyle was "questionable."

After two decades of service in law enforcement, they said her dedication to the town mattered more than her sexual orientation.

(READ the AP story via the Vancouver Sun)

Story tip from Craig Withers