Zach Wahls Defends Gay Marriage To Iowa Lawmakers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSQQK2Vuf9Q
Nineteen-year-old Zach Wahls presented a stirring defense of gay marriage before the Iowa House of Representatives yesterday, as lawmakers considered a resolution to propose a constitutional amendment to ban both civil union and marriage for same-sex couples. The University of Iowa engineering student and child of same-sex parents made an impassioned plea that has now been viewed more than 400,000 times on YouTube.

"Our family really isn't so different from any other Iowa family," said Wahls. "When I am home, we go to church together, we eat dinner, we go on vacations." He went on to talk about his own success as an Eagle Scout, small business owner and accomplished student. "If I was your son, Mr. Chairman, I believe I would make you very proud," he said.

Iowas House of Representatives ended up approving the resolution. The measure must still pass the Senate.