Austin R. Nimocks of the Alliance Defense Fund testifies at the Washington Legislature in defense of marriage.

He begins: "At a time of public emphasis on jobs it is disappointing that this body is considering legislation to make meaningless the jobs of mother and father."

He continues: "The government's interest in marriage is narrow and unique. This is why marriage is always about opposite sexes. It's never been conditioned upon a couple's ability and desire to find happiness together, their level of financial entanglement, or their actual personal dedication to each other. Marriage laws exist because children are the product of sexual relationships between men and women. And that fathers and mothers are both equally necessary for children. This is why government is in the marriage business."