Photo by M.V. Jantzen

When it comes to an issue as controversial as same-sex marriage can be, adults can have some pretty set opinions. But Sarah Crank, a home-schooled 14-year-old from Bowie, took the chance this week to let a Maryland Senate committee know what she thought about the state’s renewed push for marriage equality:

Today is my 14th birthday and it would be the best birthday present ever if you would vote no on gay marriage. I really feel bad for the kids who have two parents of the same gender. Even though some kids feel like it’s fine, they have no idea what kind of wonderful experiences they miss out on. I don’t want any more kids to get confused about what’s right and OK. I really don’t want to grow up in a world where marriage isn’t such a special thing anymore. It’s rather scary to think that when I grow up the legislator or the court can change the definition of any word they want. If they can change the definition of marriage, then they could change the definition of any word. People have the choice to be gay, but I don’t want to be affected by their choice. People say that they were just born that way, but I’ve met really nice adults that did change, so please vote no on gay marriage. Thank you.

Crank’s mother has been busy sparring with commenters over at Think Progress, which first posted audio of Sarah’s testimony, but she did confirm that Sarah’s only present wasn’t just a no vote on marriage equality. “I am very proud, and yes she got other presents. Unfortunately no pony,” wrote Kathleen Kositzky Crank.

The Maryland Senate approved same-sex marriage legislation last year, but it stalled in the House of Delegates. Gov. Martin O’Malley has put his weight behind getting it through the General Assembly this year, but he still faces strong opposition.