DES MOINES — On Monday evening, Zach Wahls, a 19-year-old University of Iowa student spoke about the strength of his family during a public forum on House Joint Resolution 6, an amendment that seeks to repeal the state’s marriage equality law, and deny any form of legal recognition for gay couples.
“Over the next 2 hours, I’m sure we’re going to hear plenty of testimony about how damaging having gay parents is on kids, but in my 19 years, not once have I ever been confronted by an individual who realized independently that I was raised by a gay couple,” said Wahls, who has two mothers.
“And you know why,” he asked. “Because the sexual orientation of my parents has had zero effect on the content of my character.”
Watch here:
Earlier today, the Iowa state House passed the amendment, House Joint Resolution 6, by a vote of 62-37.
The measure seeks to prohibit not only same-sex marriage, but also civil unions and domestic partnerships.
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You go Zach!
That was brilliant.
<3 looove it! <3
I can’t believe tis guy is my age!
A awesome young man.Good for you…
I loved EVERYTHING about this! <3
Cheers to a real human. I now have a flicker of faith back in humanity.
He is a Hero in my book!
Yet they STILL pass the ban. >_<
Awesome kid!
VERY well said, he should run for office, his speech skills are phenomenal. I love my generation, they’re so much more open-minded than the baby boomers.
What a beautiful man.
may he and his be forever.
okay I will comment.
I am very old. 69years old. I do love all of you.
but I havve fotgotten why I am posting ?
I GUESS IT IS ALTHIMERS?
Speling?
Beautifuly said.
Amazing speech! What a good kid. People really need to hear his message.
Hoo ra! :3
COLAGE: People with a Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer Parent congratulates the Wahls family for their courageous testimony!
IF this goes to a vote I sure hope each and every Iowan will stop and say “How does a gay couple getting married affect me?? The answer is, It does not affect you. It is not my place to tell anyone they can or cannot get married. DO NOT let people from outside of the state of Iowa pressure us to vote their way. That is how we lost 3 good judges. Outsiders rallied in Iowa. IF this goes to a vote make sure you and your friends get out and vote it down. The youth of the state need to step up and make a stand.
I’m so glad I heard Zach Wahl’s life story on TV today.
I was very moved by his loving story. He is like so many other young people the strength and hope of our nation.
Thank You to the Wahl’s Family for sharing and caring. Please Iowan Voters listen to our young people they judge by character not sex, color or economic status. They don’t have cob webs in their brains. God speed to Zach on his journey for equality for all.
Does anybody have the actual YouTube video name ?
That is amazing!
I LOVE THIS KID. WHAT A WONDERFUL SPEECH , BOTH HIS MOTHERS SHOULD BE VERY PROUD.
he said it perfect. you’d never guess he was raised by same sex parents. point proven they can raise children as good as straight parents.
very well said!
It passed though, the first step at least. What a shame. He is a great speaker.
Even some str8 parents can’t raise a kid this good!! Gooo heead!!!
NICELY DONE
This kid is an amazing speaker. Shame it was passed regardless.
Why are so many people afraid of others who aren’t like them? Will this turn into some lesser form of Hitler and the Jews? Only now, it’s homophobics verses gays. When will people see, we are not horrible people. We have a right to love, life, work, everything. Just like you do.
We are human too.
I love this! yOU GO zACH!!!!
WOW, Would any Parent, Brother, Sister, Aunt, Uncle, would be so proud of this young man for standing up for his FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!Way to go Zach Wahls!!!!!!!!!!
Very impressive. Great Job Mr. Zach Wahls!
that young man’s speech touched my heart when he is very supportive of his gay parents, my uncle is gay and i’m bisexual so we both came out of the closet safely.
you are the man Zach your gay parents will always love you no matter what. When I came out of the closet being bisexual, my grandparents didn’t let me down besides my dad, my grandfather still supports and ares for me everyday.
That was an amazing and heart felt speech that he gave. He is very support and cares deeply about his gay parents an his family. They’ve raised a wonderful young man…
People like Zach are heros in my book. With him just being a few months older than me and being able to stick up for what he believes in is astonishing. A lot of people our age can’t stand up against our elders like him but he did it and with such a powerful voice and soul behind it. Go Zach!
@ Ashley the youtube vid is called “Zach Wahls Speaks About Family”