Free Republic

For 33 years, Florida forced them to hide behind a veil of secrecy. But now, prospective parents who are gay can legally adopt a child in Florida. Already, some are stepping forward, putting the process in motion. For others, it means a quicker end to their legal limbo. "We've had a lot of sleepless nights and a lot of tears,'' said Melanie Leon Alenier, who with partner Vanessa Alenier has been fighting the state over the right to adopt 21-month-old Ethan, a biological relative who has been with them since he was nine days old.

President Barack Obama declared today that the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military “will end and it will end on my watch,” even as his Justice Department was appealing a judge’s ruling that would have allowed homosexuals to serve openly in the military. Speaking at a town hall meeting put on jointly by BET, MTV and Country Music Television, Obama also said a person’s sexuality is not a choice. “I don’t profess to be an expert – this is a lay person’s opinion – but I don’t think it’s a choice,” he said. “People are born...