Once a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito will officiate the wedding of Senate President Stanley Rosenberg and his domestic partner, The Boston Globe reports.

The news was celebrated by a couple of former critics of Polito for her previous activism against same-sex marriage.

“I think that when you choose a person to officiate at your wedding it’s usually because of a meaningful relationship in one way or another,’’ Sue O’Connell, the co-publisher of New England LGBT-focused publication Bay Windows, who has previously criticized Polito, told Boston.com. “So I know that the symbolism in it is important to the Senate president and [his partner] Bryon. I absolutely applaud it.’’


The officiating is part of a fairly rapid evolution for Polito on the topic of same-sex marriage. It wasn’t that long ago that the former state representative from Shrewsbury was praising anti-gay activists like Florida congressman Allen West and voting for a state constitutional amendment to define marriage as between a man and woman.

The news of Polito’s officiating also drew praise from DeeDee Edmondson, who has been similarly critical of Polito.

“When somebody changes their heart and mind, you need to stop criticizing them,’’ Edmondson said. “Times are changing … and this is a great example of it. I welcome her with open arms. I’m thrilled.’’

Since joining Baker’s ticket, Polito has spoken of her evolving position on same-sex marriage.

“Like many, including President Obama, my position has evolved and I support the rights of men and women to marry whomever they love and will continue to support the progress achieved over the last decade,’’ she said on the campaign trail last October.

Since her election, that evolution has been pronounced. Along with officiating Rosenberg’s wedding, Polito and Baker filed an amicus brief supporting gay marriage to the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, Polito recently swore in the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth, and she bristled when The Boston Globe’s Yvonne Abraham questioned her sincerity.


“Whether you want to believe me or not, my actions will obviously prove, beyond you, my sincerity and commitment,’’ Polito said.

She’s convinced Edmondson, for one.

“So she didn’t vote for gay marriage back in the day,’’ Edmondson said. “Well, she’s voting for it now. Let’s praise her for that.’’

O’Connell said Polito’s switch has been the subject of some snark among longtime same-sex marriage supporters, but she’s resisted doing the same.

“I don’t think we should ever not congratulate and fully embrace someone when they see the light,’’ O’Connell said. “I am without snark today.’’