BOSTON -- A gay former state lawmaker who fought a personal and political battle to help Massachusetts become the first state to legalize gay marriage has been appointed head of a national gay rights group.
Former Sen. Jarrett Barrios tearfully shared stories of his family during debate on a proposal that would have effectively undone a court ruling making Massachusetts the first in the nation to allow gay couples to wed.
He'll become president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, which advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Barrios is married to Democratic political strategist Doug Hattaway. They have two children.
Since 2007, Barrios has been president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, which announced his move Wednesday.
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