Iowa teen Zach Wahls made his moms proud during his inspirational testimony about their family

“If it was your family that was being told it didn’t have the legal right to exist in your state, I think you would have done the same thing,” Wahls told MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell in an exclusive interview. “Response has really just been absolutely overwhelming. It’s been so inspirational for me to hear from so many people. They’re supporting my family and the rights of gay couples and families.”

House Republicans in Iowa voted to create a ballot measure that, if approved, would not only ban same-sex marriage, but state recognition of civil unions and domestic partnerships. The right of same-sex couples to marry in Iowa has come under attack from the moment the state Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of legalizing it nearly two years ago. Iowa is one of only five states to allow same-sex couples to marry.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy