Gay marriage debate splits Democrats

Conflict in Massachusetts over civil unions and gay marriage:

"Robert Reich, the former US labor secretary who ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in 2002, said he hopes the party takes the step of supporting gay marriage.

"I think it should be a plank," Reich, who came out in favor of gay marriage on the campaign trail, said in a telephone interview. "Massachusetts has always been a leader in human and civil rights, and we ought to continue that tradition. Massachusetts voters, particularly young voters, are very progressive on issues of sexual orientation. There's absolutely no reason why the Massachusetts Democratic Party should not be a pioneer with regard to the issue of same-sex marriage."