Not quite a year ago, my now-wife and I got our marriage license in this very spot. The kind woman behind the counter at about nine seconds in was the one who filled out the paperwork for us. Our friend Albert was there to sign off on it. A day later we’d make it official at a very small ceremony in my parents’ backyard. It was lovely.

We were able to do all of that because our particular genetics mean that we, as a woman and a man, are attracted to and love each other. I have no doubt that all of the people who showed up at the courthouse in my hometown love each other just as much as I love my wife. It breaks my heart that they can’t have that love and commitment recognized.