The "actual steps" were his democratic rights as a citizen in a free country

And he didn't get sent to jail for doing so. He was told by a private group of individuals that his actions and views were not welcomed by said group. Noöne was jailed or oppressed or dehumanized.

Are all persons who voted / backed laws against those things oppresive, or it's only your particular pet cause?

Yes, anyone who acts to reduce the dignity of another human is oppressive. Gay marriage is only one such issue.