An Iowan who gained fame for his testimony about growing up with two lesbian mothers is set to address the Democratic National Convention this evening. Zach Wahls testified last year before members of the Iowa House of Representatives against a proposed amendment banning same-sex marriage.
A video of his speech quickly went viral among gay marriage supporters. Wahls says he will tell convention delegates that kids raised in families like his turn out just fine.
“The reason the Obama campaign was interested in me is because I think there’s a resonance to my story that can help assuage some concerns that people who are still kind of undecided still have on same-sex marriage,” Wahls said.
Wahls says his message at the convention will be much the same as his testimony before Iowa legislators.
“I think the other side would like to have Americans believe there’s something intrinsic about a male and female parents, that’s what kids need. And I would respond that no, what kids need is love, commitment and responsibility from their parent or parents,” Wahls said.
Wahls dropped out of college last fall to become an advocate for same-sex marriage, but said he plans to return to the University of Iowa part-time next spring.