In the last two weeks, over 250 citizens have testified, overwhelmingly in favor, for the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009 in front of the DC City Council. Amidst emotional proceedings that lasted for several hours over two legislative sessions, one witness, a Mr. Andrew Hertzberg, crystallized the bill's core purpose with his impassioned address to his boyfriend Andy Rollman:

"Andy, you've changed my life. You bring out the best in me. I love you so much. On this day when we talk about the hopes of marriage, I'd like to ask you: Will you marry me?"