Gay Australian MP proposes to partner in Parliament during debate
In a heart-warming incident, Tim Wilson, an Australian MP proposed to his gay partner during a Parliamentary debate on legalizing same-sex marriage. Wilson proposed to Ryan Bolger, who was seated in the public gallery. Bolger responded with a loud "yes" as cheers erupted in the House of Representatives. Wilson is believed to be the first MP to propose on the floor of the House.
An emotional Wilson asked: "Will you marry me?"
An emotional Wilson said: "In my first speech, I defined our bond by the ring that sits on both of our left hands. They [the rings] are the answer to the question we cannot ask." "So there is only one thing left to do. Ryan Patrick Bolger, will you marry me?" The speaker congratulated the couple and said Bolger's "yes" had been officially recorded.
Australia on the cusp of historically legalizing same-sex marriage
Last month, Australians voted overwhelmingly in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage in a national referendum, following nearly a decade of debate. Last week, the Australian Senate passed the marriage equality bill which is now being debated in the lower house. The PM Malcolm Turnbull-led Liberal-National coalition government and the main opposition Labor Party both plan on passing the bill by December 7.
Turnbull to gay people: "We love you, we respect you"
"The message today, to every gay person in this nation, is clear," Turnbull said. "We love you, we respect you, your relationship is recognized by the Commonwealth as legitimate and honorable as anybody else's." The bill is expected to be passed this week provided there are no significant amendments. Its passage would make Australia the 26th country to legalize same-sex marriage.
