Governor walks in gay pride parade

Gov. Deval Patrick became the state’s first sitting governor to march in Boston’s gay pride parade, just days before state lawmakers were expected to vote on a ballot question that could ban same-sex marriage.

The Democrat, who walked with Mayor Thomas Menino, said he wanted to keep Massachusetts a state where same-sex couples could marry.

Patrick said the 2003 court decision that paved the way for same-sex marriage “affirmed the principle that everyone comes before the court as equals.”

“That is an argument we need to make to representatives and senators this week,” he said.

“What experience has taught us is that the sky hasn’t opened up; families are still intact.”