On Saturday night, the president reiterated his commitment to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that forces gay men and women to conceal their sexual orientation while serving in the military. The policy was a mistake from the day in 1993 it was proposed by President Bill Clinton: Those who serve this country should not have to compromise their honesty to do so, and a nation that is fighting terrorism should not compromise its ability to recruit and retain an effective force - whether the issue is translators or combat soldiers.

Meanwhile, in Sacramento, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed two bills by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, that represent actual progress on gay rights: One designates May 22 as Harvey Milk Day, the other recognizes the same-sex marriages from out...