Previously on When We Rise ` Once baptised, you must not go back to your old ways. The rich people come here sick; they get better. We come here sick, and we die. Why not call it a medical home for every single San Franciscan? Every single San Franciscan. Welcome to the City of Refuge. Welcome home. Words have meaning, Roma. The word 'married' might mean something more than it used to. What if we take Prop 8 to the Supreme Court? They'll say it's too soon, it's not our turn, it's insane. It's` It's radical. We turn to San Francisco in the opening day of a trial in the first-ever federal case challenging laws against gay marriage. Over the next several weeks, the testimony coming from this court might sound like policy and politics. But to many young people out there, this trial will sound more like this ` you are not alone. No federal case starts at the US Supreme Court. First, you must survive a district court in your own backyard, with the whole country watching. And most importantly, let it be heard that your love is valued. Marriage is the only institution we have that's about bringing together the two great halves of humanity ` male and female ` so that children can know and be known by and love and be loved by, their own mother and father. And against an opposition who fought to make sure the world couldn't hear our case. They've spent millions of dollars in misleading ads in order to pass Prop 8, and now in a court of law, they've fought to ban cameras. Don't we deserve to know just exactly what it is that they're trying to hide? When I first met Sandy, I thought she might be the sparkliest person I ever met. And over time, our friendship grew deeper and deeper. And after a few years, I thought I might be falling in love with her. Sandy, why do you want to be married? I want this for us, and I want our children and our children's children to feel like they can love who they love and be treated fairly. Can you tell this court... your feelings for Jeffrey? I've found someone I know I can dedicate the rest of my life to. And when you find someone that's not only your best friend but your best advocate and supporter in life, it's a natural next step to wanna be married to that person. The word 'marriage' has meaning. It symbolises... maybe the most important decision you make as an adult. I love Jeff more than I love myself. And to be excluded in that way is so... (SIGHS) incredibly harmful. (DELICATE PIANO MUSIC) I can't speak as an expert. I can speak as a human being who's lived it. Very well. Cross-examine. We have no questions, Your Honour. OK. Then we will resume tomorrow. How can they build a case if they don't challenge us? They hired a first-rate lawyer. He's got somethin' up his sleeve. (SNIFFS) I'm a woman. Always have been. They still put me in that man's cell in jail. Thought I was gonna die in there. (SNIFFS) Paul came and told me my old partner had died of AIDS, and I thought to myself, (TEARFULLY) 'Is this how I'm gonna die?' So I said to myself ` if I could survive jail, I was gonna find the salvation that he couldn't. Where are you gonna sleep tonight? I don't know. You don't know? This is not a place for handouts. It's for you to start helping you. (MELANCHOLIC MUSIC) Why can't they just stay here? We don't have enough beds for them. There's more hands being held out than hands paying tithes. We can barely afford this. What about help from the city? We tried that. City Hall's got no interest in us here. REPORTER: Mr Mayor, I understand you've got universal healthcare in San Francisco. Tell us about it. Yes. Only city in the United States of America that's doing universal healthcare, where people are able to get a medical home and a medical card, public/private choice. We think it's a model programme for the rest of the country. Hey. Hey. You do realise we won, right? CHUCKLES: Yeah. What's wrong, Roma? This is just how I am when I win. You should've seen me when we beat Prop 6. Diane will be back from the Ivory Coast tomorrow. I'll be fine. (CONTEMPLATIVE MUSIC) So, this is what winning looks like. (SIGHS) Maybe we're here for something bigger than ourselves. Maybe we were put here to fight. For weeks, dozens of witnesses told the stories of our lives, our families and our struggle, under oath. Do you know that a majority of courts as well as a majority of Americans have ruled there is no right to same-sex marriage? But when their turn came, they called only two witnesses and only one expert on marriage. Well, it's not that they didn't want expert witnesses of their own here. They had half a dozen lined up, but almost all of them backed out after their sworn depositions. You see, it's easy to make statements to the press, but when you have to defend those opinions under oath, their arguments fell apart. And all they have left is one... expert. Mr Blankenhorn, what is the primary purpose of marriage? Well, the anthropologist Strauss once described marriage as a social institution with a biological foundation. (DOOR OPENS) We reproduce sexually,... (HUSHED CONVERSATION) ...and there is only one institution that brings together all these dimensions, and that would be the institution of marriage, because we know how important this is for the children. Your Honour, no further questions. Thank you. Mr Blankenhorn, have any of the scholars you've relied on said that permitting same-sex marriage will cause a reduction in heterosexual marriage? That is a 'yes', 'no' or... 'I don't know'. I believe that some of the scholars that I have cited... have asserted that permitting same-sex marriage would contribute to the deinstitutionalisation of marriage. One of the manifestations of that would be to lower the marriage rate among heterosexuals. But I do not have sure knowledge that, in the form of the words that you're asking me to use, that they would have made the assertion that permitting same-sex marriage would definitely, directly lower the marriage rate among, uh, heterosexual... couples. If I were to interpret that as an 'I don't know'... (LAUGHTER) Your Honour, I can restate it for you. The record is` is clear. I've felt this way before. It just` I always thought I wasn't cut out for winning, so I kept fighting. Well, you've earned a break. It's about all I've earned. Helped build this city. I can't afford to live in it if I retire. Well, I'm not leaving. My family's here. What? (SCOFFS) What do you expect me to say? Well, I don't know, but maybe not, 'See ya later, Roma.' But, no, technically` technically, I am a renter, so go. Go stay with your family. You'd really leave? I don't know, but I'm` I'm kinda waking up here and going, 'What, if any, of this is actually mine?' (OBJECTS CLATTER) Roma, what is this? And I hate that I'm asking that, but I am. Mom, she's not going anywhere. She's in love with my kids now. I can't afford to live here, Annie! You bought a four-storey building when you were a kid. You have never freaked about money your entire life. Give me a break. What is it? You don't love me any more? Roma? Oh God. I get it. What? What? What do you get? I think you need to propose to her, Mom. You might not buy it, cos neither did I, but it's not just a word. And I know better than you two on this one. You gotta propose, Mom. It would be the politically correct thing to do. Who knows if the courts would even let us? Yeah, right. OK. Yeah. OK. I'm not wearing white. BLANKENHORN: There are eminent scholars that have argued` Sir, on page 300, you said you're basing your analysis` Oh. Oh, this. I see. This is the 'gotcha' moment, right? Because I said the word 'transmitter' at your deposition? Let me have a look... at your own words. Quote, 'I assure you these are not my own conclusions. 'I am a transmitter of these eminent scholars.' End quote. Mr Blankenhorn, do you believe that permitting gay and lesbian couples to marry would improve the well-being of those gays and lesbians and the children they're raising? And I'm asking for your conclusions, not other scholars'. I believe that adopting same-sex marriage... would improve the well-being of gay and lesbian households and their children, yes. Thank you. And in 2007, you wrote a book. And in your book, you wrote, 'I believe that, today, 'the principle of equal human dignity must apply to gay and lesbian persons.' And then you say, 'We would be more American`' Emphasise 'more' ` 'We would be more American on the day we permitted same-sex marriage 'than we were on the day before.' And you wrote those words three years ago. I... wrote those words. And you believe them now? Today? That's correct. Thank you. Your Honour, Mr Blankenhorn's testimony was utterly unnecessary. Every state and society, for the millennia, has attempted to channel naturally procreative sexual conduct` Let's just say that I agree ` the state's interest is procreative. How does permitting same-sex marriage adversely affect that? My answer is... I don't know. I don't know. (GENTLE MUSIC) KEN: You know what? On second thought, type, 'Ken Jones heard that you were commissioner, 'so he came down here to see if they really gave your spicy ass... 'such a respectable position.' CECILIA: (YELPS) Oh my God! (SCREAMS) Oh my God. Your spicy ass` Oh yes! (BOTH LAUGH EXCITEDLY) Oh my goodness. Look at you, Commissioner Chung. Yeah. I need your help. It's about damn time you finally realised that. Oh my God. (LAUGHS) I think the people's eyes are being opened. People are becoming more understanding and tolerant. The polls tell us that. But that does not justify a judge to say, 'I really need the polls to be just a few points higher before I break down this discrimination.' And I submit, at the end of the day, 'I don't know' ` with all due respect, Mr Cooper ` does not cut it! It does not cut it. When you are taking away the constitutional right to privacy, liberty, association and sexual intimacy from a large group... of individuals, that is not acceptable under our constitution. And Mr Blankenhorn is absolutely right. The day that we end that,... we will be more American. 1 It took months for the judge's decision to come in. But when it did, each side was given the news one hour before the public in case anything needed to be done to prevent riots. Chad,... we won. We won big. The judge gave us the Constitution. (LAUGHS) No, no. Don't kiss me. Please. You're not my type. (CHEERING, SCREAMING) REPORTER: Supporters of same-sex marriage cheered today's decision declaring that Proposition 8 ` to ban gay marriage ` is unconstitutional. This case will certainly be appealed. Meanwhile, it's important that the rest of us who believe in fairness make the same case for the Freedom to Marry in the court of public opinion that the lawyers made in the court of law. Well, I think it will be up to the Supreme Court, and I do not think they have five votes for it. If we can win at the Supreme Court now, we could have marriage in all 50 states. But the justices don't live in a bubble. If we don't show them that we've won the hearts and minds of everyone ` Republicans, Democrats, north and south ` then we could lose the entire nation. These numbers will demonstrate the thousands of meals that we've served and the beds that we've provided at the City of Refuge Church. But we're running out of money, and that puts our people back on the streets. And before you say anything, I know that this is not up to city requirements. It's just, you know,... there's been so much bad done in the name of 'God'. I can assure you ` this is not that god. And I'd hate to have to share how you forced a black, HIV-positive, trans-inclusive church to close because you didn't have a few more numbers. OK, I hear you, I hear you ` both of you. Well, you seem very calm for someone who just got strung up. Can I tell you something? Diane and I ` engaged. What? I know. Congratulations! Oh, no, no, no. It's a political thing. And please don't tell anyone; we're` don't wanna make a big deal out of it. So do us right, and... we'll keep your dirty little secret. In the year we waited for our case to make it to the Supreme Court, on the other side of the country, a second case started making its way too, a case challenging DOMA itself ` the Defense of Marriage Act. REPORTER: It's being challenged by 83-year-old Edie Windsor of New York. When her spouse, Thea Spyer, died and left her the estate, she got a tax bill for $363,000. If the federal government had recognised the marriage, it would've been zero. The Windsor case challenging DOMA ` is that a threat to your case? Windsor isn't suing a state; she's suing the federal government. That includes President Obama. Windsor must have bigger balls than all of us if she's suing the president. Obama could have ignored your case. He can't ignore hers. Isn't the question now ` will he defend DOMA? If we could get the first African-American president to come out and support marriage equality... Chad had been an aide in the White House. He returned as part of the coalition alongside all of those who had been against our case. Because if you could get the president, you move the numbers. You move the numbers, you might convince the Supreme Court. Hey. Did you write the president too? I did. We did. We asked him, uh, 'Help us make it so that kids who have two moms or two dads, that one day, 'that their parents can get married too.' Why can't they get married now? You know, that's a very smart question. That's exactly what I'm gonna ask him. (COMFORTING MUSIC) People are being denied a right that this court has said 14 times is fundamental. Is it your position that in 1848, the framers of the 14th Amendment contemplated same-sex couples? That very same argument was made in Loving versus Virginia with regard to people of different races having the right to marry. (CELL PHONE VIBRATES) OK, so let's say that DOMA is constitutional. Is there any argument that Prop 8 isn't? I can't accept that, but the government may have something in its head about DOMA that makes this a different case from, say, Robbie's Defense of Marriage Act case. No one has ever articulated a legitimate reason why only gay married couples should be taxed on the assets they accumulate together. Are we only looking at this estate tax issue of yours? Everyone agrees the IRS says same-sex married couples would receive the same benefits, except that DOMA prevents that. WOMAN: So if I marry my cat, the government should give me tax credits. It's based on conduct, not status. No. I'm not touching my cat; I'm just married to it. (CHUCKLING) (SIGHS) If you make this just about a tax bill, your argument is so narrow that even if you win, most states are still gonna be able to ban gay marriage. With all due respect, you're shooting for the cheap seats. DOMA is far from narrow. It involves more than 1100 federal rights and duties, from Social Security to healthcare to taxes. You're arguing for marriage in all 50 states. It's so broad. Your arguments are so broad, we could end up with nothing. My client is Edie. She lost the love of her life, and that injury was met with an unjust tax bill. When the country meets her, they'll want even more for her and the rest of us like her. This is about Edie for me. Did you get the President? We have one Republican senator,... (SIGHS) ...and Clinton and Biden are in. But it's an election year; it's a bigger risk for the President. You boys might find my approach narrow, but my case puts us in a position to demand the President take a side, and I can assure you I won't let him off the hook just because this is an election year. (CELL PHONE VIBRATES) Oh. (CLICK!) Hi, Roma. Hi, sis. What's wrong? Listen, I don't want you to feel bad about saying no. It's a lot, and it might be really short notice, based on the court` Oh God. What did you do? No, no, no. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) No, no, the Supreme Court. Uh, Diane and I... (VOICE BREAKING) are getting married. Um, I mean, depending on what the courts say. (SIGHS) Right. SOFTLY: Right. Well,... I'd like to come. Don't you still believe in heaven and purgatory and all that? I mean, (CHUCKLES DRILY) how would you reconcile that? You're my sister; I put that away. Listen, if you win this, I... I'd like to be there. OK. Thank you. Bye. (POIGNANT MUSIC) (SOBS) What's wrong? Oh, I'm afraid we might lose. (CHUCKLES DRILY, SNIFFLES) (MY MORNING JACKET'S 'GET THE POINT') Aw! (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Thank you. WOMAN: Those in favour of providing funding for the City of Refuge Church, raise your hand. CLEVE: The decades of struggle for our lives, our families, a God, a home, now it was for all of the us-es out there ` one struggle, one fight. With what you got for us today, we'll build a stronger church. I'll give you all I got. Amen. (CHUCKLES) Come here. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Aw. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) There truly is a God for us. (ENGINE STARTS) (CAR DOOR CLOSES) (CRASH! TYRES SQUEAL, CAR ALARMS BLARE) BARACK OBAMA: Over the course of several years, as I talk to friends and family, when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed, monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, at a certain point, I've just concluded that, um, for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that, uh, I think same-sex couples should be able to get married. REPORTER: The President said... (WARM MUSIC DROWNS OUT TV) WILLIAMS: The court has taken on two cases here from opposite ends of the country, and their rulings will stand as the law of the land. REPORTER: Both of them come here as public support for same-sex marriage is growing ` a different political climate than just four years ago, when Prop 8 became law. (LOW, INTRIGUING MUSIC) (CAR DOOR SHUTS, BIRD SQUAWKS, CABLE CAR BELL RINGS, HORNS TOOT) Hi. My name is Ken. I'm from Bobbi's church. I-I'm sorry. You're her... OK, first off, don't call him a her, all right? Matter of fact, you show that disrespect in front of his mama, I'll show you how a man gets down in this family. You listen. Bobbi was a she when she walked this Earth, and she'll be a she when she's laid to rest, and we'll defend her to the grave for that right. (POIGNANT MUSIC) Let's go. Your Honour, we are saying that the state's interest in what we have framed as responsible procreation is vital. But suppose the state said the focus of marriage should be procreation. Are we not giving marriage licences to couples where both the man and woman are over 55? I can assure you there are not a lotta children coming out of those marriages. (CHUCKLING) SCALIA: When did it become unconstitutional to exclude homosexual couples from marriage? 1791? When? When did it become unconstitutional to prohibit interracial marriage? Don't give me a question to my question. The case before you is whether or not the state of California can take a clear class of individuals based upon their distinguishing characteristics and remove from them their right to privacy, liberty, association,... spirituality, and identity that marriage gives them. Well, that's really... (SIGHS) That's quite a broad argument,... particularly in this case, Mr Olson, don't you think? Quite broad. (LOW, POIGNANT MUSIC) When I'm there in the City of Refuge Church,... it's like my heart and soul found one home. This family is in mourning... and filled with a lotta fear. (PEW CREAKS) SOFTLY: They would trust you. And I believe if we work together,... we can help them through these challenges. TV: With respect, Justice Kennedy, that's not right. No state loses any benefits by recognizing same-sex marriage. WOMAN ON TV: They're not a question of additional benefits. I mean, they touch every aspect of life. You're saying, 'No, there are two kinds of marriages ` the full marriage and then a sort of... 'skim-milk marriage.' (CHUCKLES SOFTLY) (CHUCKLING ON TV) SCALIA: But if we do this for New Yorkers, don't we have to do it for every state because of equal protection? No. These broader questions, they would be a different case, more similar to the Prop 8 case. But no one in either case has identified any legitimate difference between gay married couples and straight married couples that can possibly explain this sweeping, undifferentiated and categorical discrimination, and I would respectfully contend that this is because there is none. Rather, as the title of the statute makes clear, the Defense of Marriage Act was enacted to defend against gay people ` a discriminatory purpose rooted in moral disapproval. 84 senators ` 84 based their vote on moral disapproval of gay people? What is true, Your Honour, is that times can blind and that back in 1996, people did not have the understanding they have today. So there's been this sea change between now and 1996? I think with respect to the understanding of gay people and their relationships, yes, there has been a sea change, Your Honour. Yes. (CHARLES BRADLEY'S 'LET LOVE STAND A CHANCE') WOMAN: Bobbi Jean Baker served God and community well and faithfully and was a pioneer in this inclusive movement,... (CONGREGATION AGREES) ...whereas Minister Bobbi Jean Baker lived in such a manner to touch each and every one of us with her example of love and acceptance. CONGREGATION: Amen! We love you, Bobbi Jean. You will be missed. (CONGREGATION AGREES) # But time just slip away... # (POIGNANT MUSIC) (MUSIC CONTINUES) MAN: There is no gay in a real black man. No real black man is a homosexual. (POIGNANT MUSIC CONTINUES) (CHUCKLES SOFTLY, SNIFFLES) We are so, so good at funerals, Ken. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) But marriage, huh? Marriage is a ministry too. I'm going to Washington when a decision comes. I want you with us. Let's be clear ` they're arguing that every state must allow same-sex marriage, even though some believe it is harmful, and there's no scientific answer yet to that question. There is substance to the point that sociological information is new. We have five years of information on gay marriage to weigh against 2000 years of history. But there's an immediate legal injury here ` at least, what could be considered a legal injury ` and that's the voice of these children. JOHN BRIGGS, ARCHIVE: You normal people who have children, who take the burden of havin' children, raisin' children, do you want a sexually disoriented person teaching your child? There are no human rights to corrupt our children. We're concerned about how it's going to affect children and our children's children. MAN: There are some 40,000 children in California that live with same-sex parents, and they want their parents to have full recognition and full status. The voice of these children is important in this case too, don't you think? Your Honour,... this... democratic debate which is roiling across this country, it is a political question, not legal,... and we would submit to you that that question is properly answered by the people themselves, Your Honour. REPORTER: It was Justice Anthony Kennedy who said, 'You're asking us to go into uncharted waters.' He said, 'I wonder if the Supreme Court should have even taken this case now, and...' Will you listen, please? My entire life, I have heard arguments that we somehow harm children, and today I heard a Supreme Court justice flip that argument on its head. The rest is noise. It doesn't matter the outcome; we've already won, because you dared to stand up and fight. MALE NEWSREADER: Good morning, America, and this morning ` history at the Supreme Court. The justices will make their landmark rulings on same-sex marriage and gay rights, thousands already outside waiting for the decisions. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) WOMAN: Thank you. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE INTENSIFY) (WARM MUSIC) Many times in the history of our country, the question of my inalienable rights... (GENTLE CHUCKLING) ...has been brought before this court. No matter the outcome,... We made it. ...we will not surrender. (SIGHS) (SIGHS) We will come back again... and again and again. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) Get outta here. You got a case to win. Mm. Go on. Go on. (CHUCKLES GENTLY) (WHISTLING) My ancestors stood in this same spot,... and I can hear their voices; I can feel their blood cry up from the ground, and they sang a song. # Ain't gonna let nobody # turn me round, # turn me round # turn me 'round... 2013 ` after the California Supreme Court held that limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples violated the California Constitution, state voters passed a ballot initiative known as Proposition 8. Same-sex couples who wish to marry filed suit in federal court challenging Proposition 8... # ...turn me round, # turn me 'round. # Ain't gonna let nobody # turn me round... # (POIGNANT MUSIC) You've missed so much, Michael. You missed the music,... the joy. VOICE BREAKS: You missed the love. (EXHALES SHARPLY) Remember what I once told you ` that the ones who make a big show of it are the ones in trouble? Boy, was I wrong,... cos the ones who stood up,... they were the strongest ` the best of us. I need you to do me one favour. If you see an old queen up there by the name of Richard (CHUCKLES GENTLY) who likes to roller-skate,... tell him I miss him too. We have some breaking news out of the Supreme Court. MALE NEWSREADER: We do have the breaking news right now from the Supreme Court, last day of the session. They have handed down the decision on the Defense of Marriage Act. I wanna go right to ABC's Terry Moran at the court. Terry? All right, George,... (VOLUME INCREASES) ...colleagues inside have told us that that Defense of Marriage Act has been ruled unconstitutional. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) We do now have the decision on Proposition 8. The original ruling, which struck down Prop 8, will stand, and that will mean that gay couples in California will be able to marry. (CHEERS AND APPLAUSE) SCREECHES: Yes! Yes! Yes! (WARM MUSIC) I gotta go! I gotta go! Is there a victory rally? How should I know?! I gotta buy a damn dress! Yes! MALE REPORTER: Victory for Edie Windsor of New York. We won everything we asked and hoped for. Now we will be married, and we will be equal to every other family in California. So today is a good day. It's the day I finally get to look (SNIFFLES, VOICE BREAKS) at the man that I love and finally say, 'Will you please marry me?' (GENTLE MUSIC PLAYS) MAN: # Bless me. # Bless me. # Oh, Lord, # bless me indeed. # Enlarge # my territory. # Oh, God, # bless me indeed. # Oh, happy day. (MUSIC ENLIVENS) # Oh, happy day. Roma! (THEY TALK AT ONCE) # Oh, happy day. # ...when Jesus washed,... WOMAN: # When Jesus washed. # When Jesus washed. # ...oh, when He washed,... # When He washed. # When Jesus washed. # ...when Jesus washed,... # When He washed. # When Jesus washed. # ...He washed my sins away... No other human ties are more tender and no other vows more important than the ones you are about to pledge today. All the rallies, all the marches ` every single moment was not only for the equality but was for the moment to be able to say, 'I do.' In accordance with the laws of the state of California and the powers that are vested in me, it gives me great honour to pronounce you spouses for life. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) MAN AND WOMAN: # He washed my sins away. (VOCALISING) WOMAN: # Happy, happy day. MAN: # Oh, happy day. # Yeah, yeah, yeah, a happy day. # Oh, happy day. # (CHEERING, APPLAUSE CONTINUE) MAN: 'I, Roma Guy,... I, Roma Guy... (SOFT CHUCKLING) '...take you, Diane Jones... ...take you, Diane Jones... '...for my lawful wife... ...for my lawful wife... '...to have and to hold from this day forward`' Wait. Eh. They could drop dead if they wait any longer, Annie! (LAUGHTER) CHUCKLES: I have something I need to say! I just... (BREATHES SHAKILY) I have wasted so much time being ashamed and hiding who we really are, but you have been the ones who have shown me what loves looks like and how powerful it is. (SOBS) And it's because of your example that I am able to give and receive the love that I can. So thank you for sharing this with us. Thank you for this precious family. Aw! (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) Not yet. Not yet! Oh! (LAUGHTER) Not yet! Not yet. Not yet. All righty. And now... (LAUGHS) ...Roma and Diane, I pronounce you spouses for life! (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) (WARM MUSIC) (WHISTLING) Whoo! (CHEERING) Oh, hey, man. (LAUGHS) Oh, no! Oh! D! Aw, thank you. Thank you. You're too kind. Come here, you. (WARM MUSIC CONTINUES) (CHEERING) (CHEERING) Your fighter's heart finally feeling something? (SIGHS) (SIGHS) No. There's too much left to fight for. (SIGHS) I do feel a little different. (SOFT CHUCKLING) I mean, maybe it's my turn to fall in love again. Who knows? I mean,... (CHUCKLING) Yeah. ...stranger things have happened, right? (CHEERING, APPLAUSE CONTINUES) (SOBS SOFTLY) (POIGNANT MUSIC) (SNIFFLES) (SOBS SOFTLY) (SIGHS) (SNIFFLES) (SOBS) (GENTLE MUSIC) (BOTH CHUCKLES GENTLY) (SIGHS) I joined gay liberation when I was 17,... (VIDEO) and I never believed that I would be alive to see this decision today. And the journey, the struggle, it's certainly not over, but I think we've done a remarkable job of changing the hearts and the minds of the American people. MAN CALLS: Honey. Come on. Let's go. So I would give the credit not only to my own community but to the rest of the country. I mean, I've seen people in my own family change. I've seen people change right across this country, and it is making us a better country and a better people. (TEN YEARS AFTER'S 'I'D LOVE TO CHANGE THE WORLD') # Said I'd love to change the world,... (ENGINE STARTS) # ...but I don't know what to do. # So I'll leave it up to you. (VOCALISES) (SONG FADES) (INTRIGUING MUSIC) Captions by Alex Walker and Shrutika Gunanayagam. www.able.co.nz Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2017