Barney Frank Marries His Long Time Partner James Ready

The first openly gay Congressman is now the first congressman in a same-sex marriage.

The Happy Couple

U.S. Representative Barney Frank and his partner James Ready pose during their wedding reception in this handout photo taken in Newton, Massachusetts received by Reuters July 7, 2012. Image by HANDOUT / Reuters

The couple met in 2005. Ready was inspired as a teenager by Frank’s coming out, and said “I had a crush on him for 20 years.” Frank, 72, and Ready, 42, wrote their own vows and declared that they would love each other “on MSNBC or on Fox” and “in Congress or in retirement.” Frank does seem to realize the political impact of his decision to get married now, saying “I did want to get married while I was still in office. I think it’s important that my colleagues interact with a married gay man.”

Famous Attendees Included…

U.S. Representative Al Green Image by BRIAN SNYDER / Reuters

U.S. Representative David Cicilline Image by BRIAN SNYDER / Reuters

U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi Image by BRIAN SNYDER / Reuters

Newton Mayor Setti Warren Image by BRIAN SNYDER / Reuters

Representative Niki Tsongas Image by BRIAN SNYDER / Reuters

The Officiant

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick Image by BRIAN SNYDER / Reuters

Congratulations To The Grooms

Barney Frank and his partner James Ready are pictured in this undated engagement photo, received by Reuters July 7, 2012. Image by HANDOUT / Reuters