A major pro-life march, the likes of which we haven't seen in recent years on a San Francisco promenade, is happening as we type. The cascade of Christians extends from Civic Center to the Embarcadero at present, all carrying signs like "I Regret My Abortion" and "Men Regret Lost Fatherhood." Also, there are tambourines, and nuns. It's some crazy shit.

Meanwhile, the small counter-protest that was marching ahead of the horde numbered only about six women who, counter to the large banner approaching from behind them that said "Abortion Hurts Women," were chanting "Pro-Lifers Hurt Women." There's been a recent kerfuffle over a series of pro-choice banners hanging on Market Street, which a prof-life group has said are illegal because they did not promote a specific event, as required by city code.

Not to sound too ensconced in our liberal bubble here — we know there are still a few Catholics left in this city — but where did all these people come from? In the absence of taking an informal poll, we're going to wager some bridges were crossed. We'll say no more.

Update: We have a report of at least one fistfight, with a protester (or on-looker?) pushed to the ground and pummeled, near Market and Powell.

Update 2: Okay, so, our bad, they do this every January, here they were last year, but we took more notice this year because of the route change (they usually stick to Embarcadero) and because of the sheer enormity of this particular crowd. They rallied much of Stockton and Sacramento to descend upon us. Anyway, they got what they wanted with our headline. There it is.