WATCH: Louis van Amstel, Niecy Nash Talk Gay Marriage on DWTS

On last night's episode of Dancing with the Stars, comedienne Niecy Nash and her partner Louis van Amstel performed a waltz they based on a story about an interracial couple in the 1960s who cannot get married. During rehearsal, Nash became emotional and teary-eyed when thinking about being prohibited from being with or marrying the person she loves. Van Amstel also teared up and said, "Well, I hear you. I'm still in that boat. So we've come a long way, but you've got to help me fight my battle, too. Thank you."

Van Amstel's comments were an apparent reference to marriage equality and Proposition 8 in California.

Nash added: "This is a lot of people's story, past and present. I hope not only the judges see this but I hope America really sees this story."

In the post-dance interview, Van Amstel said, "Everybody should be able to get married" and added that he was "very proud" that Niecy wanted to explore the civil rights and equality storyline.

An emotional performance but unfortunately Nash and van Amstel's dance for equality earned them only 21 out of 30 points. Watch both clips AFTER THE JUMP ...