Retiring Rep. Barney Frank, a gay pioneer in Congress, said Thursday that he will marry his longtime partner, Jim Ready.
During an appearance on PBS talk show, “The Charlie Rose Show” earlier this month, Frank said he was looking forward to leaving Congress and spending time with Ready.
“Look, I have a partner now, Jim Ready,” Frank said. “I have an emotional attachment. I’m in love for the first time in my life,” Frank said on the show.
Gay rights supporters saluted Frank’s engagement but noted that because of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA, Ready would not enjoy the same rights as other spouses.
Frank spokesman Harry Gural said the liberal Massachusetts Democrat’s wedding will be in his home state, but that no date had been set.