In a sense they did, and in a sense they did not.
Those fighting for civil rights performed "sit ins." Those were illegal according to state segregation and Jim Crowe laws. They did it knowing it was illegal, I mean, that's sort of the whole idea behind civil disobedience.
You do it to make a point, and you are fully aware of the consequences.
Personally I think that what is taking place in SF is great
I think it's a great step towards what should be achieved in the end: a union recognized and respected by the government just as the giovernment respects and protects the dignity of a straight couple.