Royal Canadian Navy Cheers First "Homecoming Kiss" Between Gay Sailor And His Partner

The Royal Canadian Navy proudly showed off social progress on Tuesday when the honor of the ceremonial "homecoming kiss" was given to an openly gay sailor and his partner.

Via CBC:

There were loud cheers today when Master Seaman Francis Legare embraced his partner, Corey Vautour, after more than eight months at sea.

"I have been away for 255 days, so it feels great," a smiling Legare said. "I am speechless."

HMCS Winnipeg, which has a crew of 250, returned to Victoria on Tuesday after a tour in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

Being the first sailor off a ship is considered an honour and privilege in the Canadian navy, and it's decided by a random raffle.

But it's a sign of the times that the navy is on board with a kiss that may have been considered controversial not too long ago.