During Debate on Gay Marriage, a Proposal

It's not every marriage proposal that gets recorded in an official parliamentary record, but such is the case with one in Australia. During a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives Monday in support of gay marriage, lawmaker Tim Wilson turned to his partner in the public gallery, recounts the BBC. "There's only one thing left to do," said Wilson. "Ryan Patrick Bolger, will you marry me?"

Bolger, with a wide grin, said yes, and applause broke out in the chamber. Lawmakers are rushing to lift Australia's ban on same-sex marriage after residents overwhelmingly approved the idea in a postal ballot last month. The Senate already has voted to do so, and the House expects to do the same this month. The only question is whether amendments granting such things as religious exemptions will survive, reports the AP. (More proposals stories.)