Watch Australia Lawmaker Propose During Same-Sex Marriage Debate

By: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — It was priceless watching 37 year-old Australian lawmaker Tim Wilson make history by proposing marriage to his gay partner during the Parliament’s debate on same-sex marriage and the response from fellow lawmakers was priceless in a positive way as the chamber erupted in applause.

The Parliament’s debate on the same-sex legislation is expected to soon legalize marriage equality across the country.

Wilson was among the first lawmakers in the conservative coalition government, to join the House of Representatives debate on same-sex marriage and nearing the end of his speech, he looked up into the public gallery seating area where his partner for seven years Ryan Bolger, was sitting and watching the debate.

“In my first speech I defined our bond by the ring that sits on both of our left hands, and they are the answer to a question we cannot ask,” said an emotional Tim Wilson, referring to his debut speech in front of the Parliament last year.

“There’s only one thing left to do: Ryan Patrick Bolger, will you marry me?” said Wilson which generated a huge applause in the chamber and a little positive joke from the Parliament leader. added to applause.

Ryan Bolge, the 33-year-old primary school teacher with a big smile said “yes,”. That’s when the House of Representatives leader said with a smile…”Your response of yes will be recorded in the official parliamentary record.”

While the House of Representatives is set to finish their legislative session for the year in two weeks, they are giving priority to lifting the unpopular ban on same-sex marriage in Australia.

The bill is set to pass easily especially after the citizens of Australia voted overwhelmingly in favor of marriage equality.

In fact we can see that the bill is on the fast track as last week the Senate approved the bill easily while rejecting all opposition amendments that would have increased legal protections for those who would discriminate against the LGBT community simply based on their religious beliefs.

But several lawmakers including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull intend to persist with amendments rejected by the Senate.

We’ll continue to follow this story and bring you updates as they occur.