Martinez-Leffew was adopted when he was five years old by a homosexual couple. He said he was inspired to write to Justice Roberts after he found out that Roberts had two adopted children. Perhaps the most poignant part of the child’s letter was that he was considered to be “unadoptable” by the foster care agency due to his genetic disorder, known as Goldenhar Syndrome, which affects the left side of his body. His life was changed forever when his dads, Bryan and Jay, contacted the agency and adopted him.
“Family is thicker than blood,” said Daniel “it’s not just the people who you’re born with, it’s the people who care about you and love you. Because anyone can have a kid.”
It was this message that Martinez-Leffew felt he desperately needed to get across to Justice Roberts ahead of important Supreme Court decision on marriage equality. The Supreme Court is expected to take up Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage in California.
Daniel’s video letter has received an amazing response, with over 150,000 views in four days. He and his parents are now eagerly awaiting the decision with high hopes. Even if Daniel’s message doesn’t make a difference, it shows that children can be impressively politically engaged. He believes that marriage should be more about love than specific rules.