Australian politician proposes to partner during same-sex marriage debate – By Mary Bowerman (usatoday.com) / Dec 4 2017
An Australian politician proposed to his long-term partner during a debate in Australia’s House of Representatives on a bill that is expected to legalize same-sex marriage.
Liberal parliament member, Tim Wilson, 37, gave an emotional speech on the House of Representative’s floor Monday, thanking his long-term partner, Ryan Bolger, for supporting him throughout his career.
Wilson said the debate over same-sex marriage was in many ways a “soundtrack to our relationship.”
“So there’s only one thing left to do,” Wilson said, looking up to where his partner was sitting. “Ryan Patrick Bolger will you marry me?”
Bolger said yes.
https://twitter.com/workmanalice/status/937481609627934720
The couple have been engaged for years, but with the promise of legalization of same-sex marriage, they will soon be able to officially wed, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Engaged 9 years, @timwilsoncomau and @rpbolger can finally marry #marriageequality pic.twitter.com/lhU6jXPG93
— Nick Haggarty (@NickHaggarty) November 15, 2017
Same-sex marriage could become a reality in Australia before Christmas. Momentum in support of marriage equality reached a tipping point last month after Australians overwhelmingly said they supported the measure in a postal survey.
The Australian House of Representatives later tweeted that proposal marks the first time a member has proposed on the House floor.
Update: We've dug through Hansard and @timwilsoncomau appears to be the first ever Member to propose on the floor of the House. pic.twitter.com/NLGLxpYIrm
— Australian House of Representatives (@AboutTheHouse) December 4, 2017
PB/TK – Well congrats to the happy couple, but wouldn’t have been awesome had both been members on the Australian congress.
