You might have noticed Australia has been engaged in an in-house battle of late, concerning the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

The bill, which was easily passed by the Senate last Wednesday, gained momentum earlier this month after Australians voted decisively in a non-binding referendum in favour of making same-sex marriage legal, reports IOL.

Because, why is it illegal in the first place? Oh, religion – that old chestnut.

Arriving at Parliament on Monday for one last debate, Tim Wilson and Ryan Patrick Bolger were armed and ready.

Well, at least Wilson was. In his speech, in an effort to make a point, Wilson proposed to his long-term partner, Bolger, and the moment was both adorable and historic:

“This debate has been the soundtrack to our relationship,” he said.

While they already considered themselves engaged, the rings they wore on their left hands, he said, were their answers to a question that they once could not ask.

“So there’s only one thing left to do,” Wilson said, his voice choking. He turned to the public gallery, where Bolger was sitting. “Ryan Patrick Bolger, will you marry me?”

The answer from Bolger, who broke into a smile, came loud and clear. As the chamber applauded, the deputy speaker, Rob Mitchell, made sure it would go down in history.

“I should let Hansard note to record that that was a ‘Yes’ – resoundingly,” Mitchell said, referring to Parliament’s official record of transcripts. “Congratulations.”

Watch:

*Tear.

Officials from the House of Representatives noted on Twitter that Wilson was also the first member of Parliament to ever propose in the chamber.

Congrats, guys.

I wonder what God’s favourite homophobe thinks about it.

[source:iol]