Australian lawmaker proposes to gay partner in parliament speech
Tim Wilson at the end of his speech popped the question to his partner of seven years Ryan Bolger, who was watching from the public gallery
A lawmaker from Australia’s conservative ruling party proposed to his gay partner in parliament Monday just moments after a bill paving the way for same-sex marriage was introduced.
Tim Wilson, who has reportedly been engaged to Ryan Bolger for nine years, fought back tears as he thanked his fiancé for enduring a marriage debate that “has been the soundtrack to our relationship”.
“In my first speech I defined our bond by the ring that sits on both of our left hands – that they are the answer to the questions we cannot ask,” said the 37-year-old.
“So there is only one thing left to do: Ryan Patrick Bolger will you marry me?”
Bolger, who was sitting in the public gallery, quickly responded “yes” as the floor erupted in applause.
“That was a ‘yes’, a resounding ‘yes’,” house speaker Rob Mitchell noted for the record. “Congratulations.”