The judge has strenuously denied the allegations, arguing that he was only "joking" about the marriage proposal.

BBC: Afghan judge Zahorudin recorded on tape 'seeking bribe'

In a newspaper article earlier this year, the cardinal wrote that the proposal for same-sex marriage represented a "grotesque subversion of a universally accepted human right".

BBC: Cardinal Keith O'Brien

The parents of the future bride accept the proposal and the preparation of the marriage begins.

UNESCO: Communication and Information

If approved and signed by President Jose Mujica, who has indicated he supports the measure, the proposal would make Uruguay the second country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage.

CNN: Uruguay's senate approves same-sex marriage bill

But in the 15-minute recording Zahorudin repeated his proposal of marriage 15 times.

BBC: Afghan judge Zahorudin recorded on tape 'seeking bribe'

Four Republicans with the Conservative endorsement, which is important to attract more votes in the face of growing Democratic enrollment, crossed the aisle to support Cuomo's same-sex marriage proposal.

WSJ: Analysis: In liberal NY, conservatives fight back

He's just released arguably his most commercially accessible disc, The Believer, and "Question" closes the album with a sweet slice-of-life sketch detailing a marriage proposal.

NPR: Rhett Miller: 'Serial Ladykiller,' Lovelorn Crooner

During a debate over a bill to legalize gay marriage that was eventually approved by Argentina's Congress in 2010, then-Cardinal Bergoglio strongly condemned the proposal in a public letter.

WSJ: New Argentine Pope Faces Church Splits