Brody's Journal... Congressman Barney Frank Weds Longtime Partner In A Congressional First

Barney Frank & James Ready

By Brody Levesque | BOSTON, MA -- Openly gay Massachusetts Democratic Congressman Barney Frank wed his longtime partner, James Ready, Saturday, becoming the first sitting member of the U. S. House of Representatives to enter into a same-sex marriage.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, (D) officiated over the private ceremony which was attended by family and invited guests. Rep. Frank had told Reuters earlier that he and his husband were not going to allow members of the media. In his remarks, Governor Patrick quipped that Frank, 72, and Ready, 42, had vowed to love each other through Democratic and Republican administrations alike, and even through appearances on Fox News.

Democratic congressman Al Green, (D-TX), told Reuters after the service;

"Barney was beaming," said Green, who attended the ceremony. He added that Frank, a champion of gay rights and the sweeping reform of Wall Street, shed a tear during the ceremony.

After exchanging their vows, Frank and Ready embraced each other, Green said. "It was no different than any other wedding I've attended when you have two people who are in love with each other," Green said.

The couple, who have been dating since 2007, had announced via a press release from Rep. Frank's office in January they would marry shortly before Frank retired at the end of his current term. Ready, who lives in Ogunquit, Maine, is a carpenter and handyman. He and the congressman met at a political fundraiser in Ready's home state of Maine.

Frank's office in January announced he would marry Ready, whom he met at a political fundraiser in Ready's home state of Maine. Ready lives in Ogunquit, where he does carpentry, painting and welding work. Frank and Ready have been involved since 2007.

The evening wedding took place at the Boston Marriott Newton in suburban Boston, attracting political luminaries including Nancy Pelosi, top Democrat in the House of Representatives, and Niki Tsongas, a Massachusetts Democratic representative. 

Before the ceremony, Frank greeted family and friends in a traditional black tuxedo. He was tanned and appeared relaxed. News media were not allowed to attend the ceremony. 

Frank won a seat in Congress in 1980 and said he will retire at the end of the current term. Besides championing financial reform and the rights of fisherman, Frank has been a vocal supporter of gay rights, which have been gathering support in public opinion polls and high courts. ~ REUTERS via Chicago Tribune