Philocrites

Paul:

November 21, 2004 01:03 PM | Permalink for this comment

Why is he "quietly" marying ?

Philocrites:

November 21, 2004 08:16 PM | Permalink for this comment

When a major advocate of same-sex marriage rights in Massachusetts finally gets married (to a former spokesman for Al Gore's presidential campaign), but the leading newspaper only notes that fact in the final item of its local news round-up, it seemed to me that Senator Barrios wasn't drawing much attention to himself — even though he certainly could have. (The couple didn't send an announcement to the New York Times, for example.) The Boston Herald had a few more details:

The local celebrity wedding is under wraps as it takes place today — a definite departure from Barrios' usual high-political profile.

But an aide said Barrios (D-Cambridge) and Hattaway decided to privately celebrate their wedding day, with a ceremony that will be attended by several Senate colleagues.

Among those attending will be Senate President Robert E. Travaglini (D-East Boston), who opposed gay marriage earlier this year during emotional legislative debate.

"Since he adopted two children earlier this year, Sen. Barrios felt it was extremely important to secure all the rights and protections of marriage for him and his family,'' Barrios spokesman Colin B. Durrant said. "He's honored to live in a commonwealth which recognizes that all families are equal under law.''

Durrant would not release any details about the ceremony.

Travaglini will offer a toast after the gay nuptials, according to his spokeswoman.

("Cambridge's Gay Senator to Exchange Wedding Vows," Ann E. Donlan, Boston Herald 11.20.04)

Philocrites:

November 22, 2004 01:02 PM | Permalink for this comment

The Globe offers the celebrity-guest rundown for the Barrios-Hattaway marriage. It answers one question Mrs Philocrites and I were placing bets on: Which Cambridge church was hosting the marriage ceremony? I guessed the First Church (UCC); Mrs P thought the chapel at the Episcopal Divinity School was the best candidate. But the Unitarian Universalist First Parish Church in the heart of Harvard Square hosted. No word on who officiated.

Eric Posa:

November 22, 2004 02:37 PM | Permalink for this comment

No word on who officiated.

Actually, that was mentioned:

"Officiated by Justice of the Peace (and Cambridge City Councilor) Denise Simmons."

A political friend/ally of Barrios, perhaps?

Philocrites:

November 22, 2004 02:47 PM | Permalink for this comment

Close reading strikes again! Thanks, Eric!

Philocrites:

November 23, 2004 10:34 PM | Permalink for this comment

And here's what same-sex marriage watchers really want to know: What does the guest list at Senator Barrios's wedding say for the legislative chances of the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage? Senate President Travaglini — one of the sponsors of the amendment — gave the toast at the wedding. The Globe follows up. I don't think we'll be amending the state constitution.