Free Republic

Okla. officials forced to issue birth record for baby with two fathers OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — All Ed Swaya wants from the state of Oklahoma is a birth certificate for his 2-year-old daughter with his name on it. After more than a year of requests and legal wrangling, it appears the Washington state resident will get his wish. The Oklahoma State Department of Health confirmed Monday it has started issuing birth certificates to same-gender couples in other states who adopt children in Oklahoma. The department’s decision comes after an opinion issued by Attorney General Drew Edmondson required the state...

Two Fathers, With One Happy to Stay at Home By GINIA BELLAFANTE INNEAPOLIS — Right before Christmas, Jamie McConnell arrived at the Lake Country School here, as he does most days of the week, to pick up his son, Ben, 3. Hardly short on spunk, Ben made his way out to the snowy playground, and Mr. McConnell, as parents have done since the dawn of swings and monkey bars, trailed behind. Mr. McConnell had plenty of time to watch Ben romp and to invite one of his classmates and his mother home for peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. For years,...

<p>A strong precedent for reversing anti-gay laws was set by the Supreme Court earlier this year with its rejection of a Texas sodomy statute that criminalized consensual sex between adult homosexuals.</p> <p>The Texas decision sent a clear and correct message that discrimination solely on the basis of sexual orientation is unacceptable. That message must now be applied to the adoption issue.</p>

It's dinnertime at the Barton household and Madilyn's turn to say grace. Holding her parents' hands, the 5-year-old races through the blessing: "God-is-great-God-is-good-Let-us-thank-him-for-our-food," she says breathlessly. "Whoa, Madilyn, not so fast," her Papa admonishes gently. "Please do it again." Twin sister Marilyn giggles as Madilyn recites the prayer again, this time slowly. This time, both Papa and Daddy smile approvingly. Night after night in their two-story Orlando home, Craig and Don Barton and their adopted daughters follow a routine familiar to millions of families. As a gay couple, Craig, known as "Papa" to his girls, and Don, the man they...