Frank becomes first sitting Congressman to enter gay marriage

The nuptials between Frank and his 42-year-old partner Jim Ready took place yesterday evening at a hotel in Boston before 300 relatives, friends and colleagues.

Frank, a Democrat from Newton, is one of the first openly gay politicians in national office and has served in Congress since 1981. Ready, works as a photographer and runs a small business, the Boston Globe newspaper reported.

"I'm thrilled for him," the newspaper quoted, US Representative James P McGovern, a Worcester Democrat. "Massachusetts has always led the way, but Barney has been out front on civil rights issues for a while."

Guests who attended the wedding include Senator John Kerry, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, John Tierney, Rosa DeLauro and Al Green, a Texas Democrat who served with Frank on the House Financial Services Committee.

"He's a wonderful person," Green said. "[Frank] is one of the most brilliant persons I've ever known."

President Obama was not invited as the congressman did not want the Secret Service presence to inconvenience the town or his guests, the paper said.