Around the World: United States

Military's gay ban

Thousands of gay and lesbian activists were expected to converge on the White House and Capitol yesterday demanding civil rights protections in all 50 states.

Some participants yesterday's National Equality March woke up energized by President Barack Obama's speech to the largest US gay rights group the night before.

Among Obama's pledges was his promise to end the ban on openly gay people serving in the military. "I will end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' That's my commitment to you," Obama said during a speech before some 3,000 activists.

(China Daily 10/12/2009 page8)