Australian lawmaker proposes to same-sex partner on floor of parliament

Great news. Australia is becoming a bit too much like Hollywood though.

Whilst I admire the proposal...the choice of venue I think, was not appropriate for two reasons.

1: The chambers are not for showboating your own personal agenda. It's a place of serious debate.

2: Putting your partner "on the spot" like that in a very public way...well, lets just say, I wouldn't like it.

That said...I will them both happiness together.

I don't doubt that for a minute.

Then why say so? Are you being ironic?

Congrats to the couple. I hope they have a happy life together!

@Toasted WhoooooOOOOSH!

Good luck to ‘em. Well done Aussies.

Sincerely, good luck to them... However, there is a time and a place for everything, and the floor of parliament is not the appropriate place to do that, irrespective of your particular orientation...

I don't doubt that for a minute.

Why would anybody doubt it? It certainly seems quite plausible. And, JT isn't in the habit of making stuff up.

I just hope this inspires the gay community to come out of their shell a little bit and get more acceptance from the media

1: The chambers are not for showboating your own personal agenda. It's a place of serious debate.

I agree with that to a point. The House of Commons in the UK should be that but it tends to be more about ad hominems, people telling us that the previous administration were even more incompetent than they are, and others making farmyard noises.

I’m not too familiar with the Australian Parliament. Is it any better?

Anyway, whether it’s the appropriate place or not, good luck to them.

I’m not too familiar with the Australian Parliament. Is it any better?

The majority of the time it seems to be a kindergarten for adults.

And that's just the parts they televise :o

The House of Commons in the UK should be that but it tends to be more about ad hominems, people telling us that the previous administration were even more incompetent than they are, and others making farmyard noises. I’m not too familiar with the Australian Parliament. Is it any better?

Yep, pretty much the same. More weirdos and 'colourful characters' perhaps.

I generally cringe at public proposals - the put a person on the spot. In this case, they however, they've already done the ring thing, and it seems likely that the partner was invited to the gallery for exactly this purpose and was aware of / had agreed to it in advance, making it totally OK. As for whether or not parliment is the appropriate place - well the government is being in the business of decided who can / can't marry so actually on this occasion, it seems particularly appropriate. I am especially surprised and pleased the see that it's a member of the conservative (Labour) party that is making the news.

Much happiness to the couple.

not the proper place. do on private time not public time

Congratulations to them both, but public proposals are absolutely appalling.

maybeperhapsyes: "1: The chambers are not for showboating your own personal agenda. It's a place of serious debate."

True, but of course, we all know the debate going on in Australia about gay marriage, so obviously the man chose where he did for a reason beyond the personal.

In any case, all the best to them, and I wish them true happiness.

Congratulations to them both, but public proposals are absolutely appalling.

I’d go with tacky. Aeroplanes towing banners with proposals are terrible.

I have nothing against homosexuals, rather on the contrary actually. But to propose on the floor of the parliament is just a bit exaggerated. The parliament are to equally represent different views of a nation, and homosexuals taking the front stage might break this ideal and prospect about a parliament.

I don't think it's wrong to do this, but it might damage the political equality in the parliament.

BungleToday  01:15 pm JST

Liberal member of parliament Tim Wilson proposed to his partner Ryan Bolger in the capital of Canberra, the two having already exchanged rings

I don't doubt that for a minute.

I laughed so hard, I liked JT for a second

1: The chambers are not for showboating your own personal agenda. It's a place of serious debate.

I think that you and a few others have missed the point here - it was not like a tacky public proposal in a restaurant or some public event, but clearly intended to form part of the debate.

Why would anybody doubt it? It certainly seems quite plausible. And, JT isn't in the habit of making stuff up.

@garypen - whoosh!

The chambers are not for showboating your own personal agenda. It's a place of serious debate.

The chambers are a place where the will of the people is debated and represented. The people has overwhelmingly told the chamber that they thing same sex marriage should be allowed. As such, this proposal is entirely in line with the will of the Australian people.

To recognize is one. To allow is another. To legalize is another.

But yet to be defined is the term, the word... "marriage"... and exactly what that means and with what terms and conditions... the "relationship" automatically establishes a multitude of "responsibility" between the couple and with society... and ultimately as a human animal...

Is there a need for another defining word/s..?

Put pride, convenience, and legitimacy aside...

What personal and social responsibilities are there...? if any..? with being "married"..?

Even "friendships" have something...

That is a dilemma which needs to be addressed by many...

Yeah - Negative Votes without any discussion / arguments...