Zack Wahls Defends Parents' Gay Marriage in Iowa Legislature

In February 2011, 6th generation Iowan and University of Iowa engineering student Zach Wahls made headlines by defending gay marriage in a session the Iowa House of Representatives. Speaking out against a resolution in Iowa that would end civil unions, Wahls, described his experience growing up as the son of two female partners. He relayed that his family is like any other Iowa family, they go to church together, he is an Eagle Scout, and he studies hard to do well in school. Regarding his accomplishments, Wahls pointed out to the leader of the session, "If I was your son, Mr. Chairman, I believe I would make you very proud," he said. Wahls ended his testimony with this...
"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," he said. "And you know why? Because the sexual orientation of my parents has had zero effect on the content of my character."
Wahls testimony is sure to add new energy, thoughts, and insights to the discussions of both gay marriage and LGBT parenthood. Wahls also authored an opinion piece in the Daily Iowan on the topic in September of 2010.

Watch Wahl's testimony here: