Australian MP proposes to gay partner in parliament

Australian lawmaker Tim Wilson on Monday popped the question to his long-term partner Ryan Bolger on the floor of Parliament, during a debate to legalise same-sex marriage in the country.

The proposal, which came shortly after the same-sex marriage bill was introduced to the Lower House of Parliament, was greeted with applause from all sides of politics and the public gallery.

Addressing the Parliament in favour of the same-sex marriage bill, Wilson turned to thank Bolger, who was sitting with marriage equality advocates in the public gallery, for his support.

"There's only one thing left to do," he said, choking up slightly. Ryan Patrick Bolger, will you marry me?", The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Wilson as saying.

And the answer came back fast and loud as Bolger responded with a clear "yes".

Earlier in his speech, Wilson recalled when he had first presented Bolger with the rings that the pair has worn on their left hands for seven years.

"I said, 'I don't know what this ring represents, but will you take it as a sign of my commitment'. Thankfully the answer was yes," he said.

Wilson has been engaged to the school teacher for nine years and reaffirmed his proposal during a speech on the issue, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

According to ABC, the same-sex marriage legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives on Monday and is expected to pass easily after the debate on proposed religious protection amendments.

The bill was introduced by Liberal MP Warren Entsch, a long-time advocate for same-sex marriage.