Former Arizona Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) will marry his partner of eight years, Hector Alfonso, in D.C. on Saturday, the Daily Star reports:
"We're very happy," he said. "We're very committed."
The two have talked about marrying for a long time, Kolbe said. After sorting out Alfonso's immigration status, Kolbe said the two are ready to marry.
They plan a simple ceremony at the Cosmos Club, officiated by a minister, with readings and prayers…
Kolbe said it's "unfortunate" that Arizona doesn't yet recognize same-sex marriage, saying everyone should be able to find the happiness he's found and be able to marry the person of his or her choice.
Kolbe recently urged the Senate Judiciary Comittee to adopt gay-inclusive immigration reform, telling them of his plans to marry this weekend.
We are immensely fortunate that Hector has now secured an investment visa that allows him to remain here with me. Many other couples, however, are not as fortunate. Even if they, like us, have a marriage, civil union or life-long commitment to each other, their ability to secure a permanent solution that would allow them to build a home, family or business together is elusive and difficult to realize. It shouldn't be that way, and this Committee has an opportunity to fix this problem.
