US: Gay congressman marries same-sex partner
A Democratic congressman has married his same-sex partner, becoming only the second ever to do so while in office.
Sean Patrick Maloney – a former Bill Clinton advisor who represents New York in the US House of Representatives – married long-term partner designer Randy Florke in a ceremony Saturday evening.
He follows former Massachusetts representative Barney Frank, who wed his partner in 2012, before retiring last year.
According to CNN, Maloney and Florke married at the Church of St. Mary-in-the-Highlands in Cold Spring, New York.
The couple have three children together – Reinel, 24, Daley, 13, and Essie, 11.
The couple said in a statement: “Even after 22 years together, we’re overwhelmed by how blessed we feel to celebrate this special day with our friends and family.
“With our three kids by our side, this couldn’t have been a more perfect day.
“Thank you to all our friends near and far for their love and support as we continue to fight to ensure all families can experience the joys of a lifetime commitment.”
Democrat Mark Pocan, who married his husband in Canada in 2006, was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012.
New York legalised same-sex marriage in July 2011, following the passage of the Marriage Equality Act by the New York State Legislature.
The Senate leadership ended the legislative session without allowing the bills to go to a vote, despite support from both Democrats and Republicans.
