Barney Frank to marry partner Jim Ready

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Outgoing Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank is preparing for his new role as a married man.

NECN reported on Thursday that Frank will tie the knot with his longtime partner, Jim Ready, in a ceremony in Massachusetts. The couple has been together since 2007.

“Look, I have a partner now, Jim Ready,” Frank told PBS’ Charlie Rose earlier this month. “I have an emotional attachment. I’m in love for the first time in my life.”

Even though same sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) means that gay couples do not have true marriage equality.

“It is, of course, somewhat ironic that because of DOMA and because Barney is a federal employee, Jim won’t be eligible for any of the benefits that any other spouse would be able to get,” Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders executive director Lee Swislow told The Associated Press.

“I think it’s always positive when public figures are role models in these critical societal institutions.”

Frank, 71, announced in November that he would retire at the end of his current term. He has served as one of the most prominent gay members of Congress since 1981.

Watch this video from NECN, broadcast Jan. 26, 2012.

(H/T: Metro Weekly)