Earlier this week, 14-year-old Sarah Crank lit up the Internet — and sparked a contentious debate — for asking Maryland lawmakers to defeat a bill legalizing same-sex marriage.
Prohibiting gays and lesbians from marrying “would be the best birthday present ever if you would vote no on gay marriage,” Crank said in her testimony and explained, “I really feel bad for the kids who have two parents of the same gender, they have no idea what kind of wonderful experiences they miss out on.”
But on Thursday morning, 15-year-old Madison Galluccio, who is being raised by same-sex parents, effectively countered Crank’s claim as she testified before New Jersey’s House Judiciary Committee in favor of marriage equality.
“New Jersey has made me feel discriminated, like I’m some sort of outcast,” she told the committee. “But guess what New Jersey, I’m no outcast. I’m Madison Galluccio and I’m part of the Galluccio family. My parents will be married. And I’ll make sure that this happens ’til the day that I die.” She added:
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So please, will you help me? Help me feel equal. We’re no different. I’m no different. And I shouldn’t have to be forced to feel I’m different. This is my family. And I want us to be able to have the same rights as you. So New Jersey, please give me my freedom. Thank you.
Watch, video courtesy the New Jersey Star-Ledger:
The New Jersey legislature is considering legislation extending marriage rights to gays and lesbians, which Gov. Chris Christie (R) has pledged to veto.
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