Barney Frank Makes History with Wedding

Democratic Representative Barney Frank just made history, marrying his longtime partner, James Ready, on Saturday. He became the first sitting congressman to get married in a same-sex marriage.  The ceremony was officiated by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

The wedding took place last night at the Boston Marriot Newton and attracted many political figures including Nancy Pelosi, Niki Tsongas and others.  Other attendees included Sen. John Kerry; Reps. Bill Keating, Rosa DeLauro, Anna Eshoo, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Jim McGovern; and D.C. strategist types Hilary Rosen, Robert Raben, Steve Elmendorf and Frank’s sister Ann Lewis. News media were kept from attending the ceremony.

As Al Green, Democratic congressman explained, “Barney was beaming.” Green described that “It was no different than any other wedding I’ve attended when you have two people who are in love with each other.”

Frank and Ready have been involved with each other since 2007, having met at a political fundraiser in Maine, Ready’s home state.

Frank has been a vocal supporter of gay rights. He’s also worked for financial reform and for the rights of fishermen.

The congressman’s office, as reported by the Washington Post, explained that some very personal vows were recited. As they published, the vows that Barney Frank and James Ready shared included:  Do you promise to love each other and be each other’s best friend, In sickness and in health, In Congress or in retirement, Whether the surf is up or the surf’s flat, For richer or for poorer, Under the Democrats or the Republicans, Whether the slopes are powdery or icy, Whether the book reviews are good or bad, For better or for worse, On MSNBC or on Fox, For as long as you both shall live.

Dan Kazan

Dan Kazan has had years of experience writing for some of the largest newspapers and magazines in the USA. He was one of the first pioneers in bringing the news online and has focused most of his recent energies into making Left Justified the high quality online news and opinion site which it is.Dan can be reached at dankazan(at)leftjustified.com.

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