diff --git a/include/boost/python/detail/wrap_function.hpp b/include/boost/python/detail/wrap_function.hpp
index 0dcccd70..57725efd 100644
--- a/include/boost/python/detail/wrap_function.hpp
+++ b/include/boost/python/detail/wrap_function.hpp
@@ -13,7 +13,11 @@
 # include <boost/python/detail/indirect_traits.hpp>
 # include <boost/mpl/select_type.hpp>
 
-namespace boost { namespace python { namespace detail { 
+namespace boost { namespace python {
+
+template <class T> class reference;
+
+namespace detail { 
 
 // A function which converts its argument into a Python callable
 // object. Not very general yet!
@@ -26,6 +30,9 @@ namespace boost { namespace python { namespace detail {
 template <class F>
 inline PyObject* wrap_function_aux(F f, PyObject*) { return f; }
 
+template <class F, class T>
+inline PyObject* wrap_function_aux(F f, boost::python::reference<T> x) { return x.release(); }
+
 template <class F>
 inline PyObject* wrap_function_aux(F f, ...) { return make_function(f); }