Australian lawmaker proposes during same-sex marriage debate
An Australian lawmaker proposed to his same-sex partner on floor of parliament.
— -- Australian lawmaker Tim Wilson proposed to his partner of seven years today while debating a same-sex marriage bill in the House of Representatives.
After speaking at length about growing up gay in Australia, Wilson, a member of the Liberal Party, asked the speaker for a special request.
"And with the indulgence of the speaker, the person I have to thank most is my partner, Ryan," Wilson, 37, said as he was overcome with emotion. "This debate has been the soundtrack of our relationship.
"In my first speech, I defined our bond by the ring that sits on both of our left hands. They are the answer to the questions we cannot ask," he added. "So there’s only one thing left to do. Ryan Patrick Bolger, Will you marry me?"
With a big smile across his face, Ryan, a school teacher seated in the audience, said "yes" and the fellow lawmakers erupted in a loud applause.
Wilson asked that his now-fiance's response be recorded in the official parliamentary record.
"Should let Hansard note to record that was a yes, a resounding yes," Deputy Speaker Rob Mitchell said of the official report.
Wilson is "the first ever member to propose on the floor of the House,” according to the House of Representatives' Twitter account.
The same-sex marriage bill passed the Australian Senate Wednesday, Nov. 29, without amendments.
House member Malcom Turnbull, a proponent of same-sex marriage, has vowed to legalize same-sex marriage "by Christmas."
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