Massachusetts Considers Anti-Gay-Marriage Amendment

february 5, 2004  03:17 pm
Massachusetts Considers Anti-Gay-Marriage Amendment
Since suffering two life-threatening illnesses four years ago, the state's Senate president, Robert Travaglini, has adopted a conciliatory approach toward his colleagues. Next week the 51-year-old—who is pro-civil-union but draws the line at matrimony—will preside over a debate about amending the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage. Boston Phoenix writer Adam Reilly profiles the man who will lead legislators' response to Wednesday's Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling that the state must allow gay marriage. "What, exactly, " Reilly asks, "are the long-term ramifications of a governing style based on sharing power and making people feel good?"