Gay dads fight to keep custody of two sisters
By CURTIS KRUEGER, Times Staff Writer


SEMINOLE - The smiling 5-year-old girl in a dripping yellow swimsuit slid open a glass door and said, "Daddy, I love you, I love you."

It wasn't clear if she was talking to one daddy or both. But the two dads - gay men who are life partners - broke into smiles.

Those smiles may soon fade for Curtis Watson, 40, who is the licensed foster parent of the 5-year-old girl and her 6-year-old sister; and for his partner, who is in his 40s and works for a health facility. They no longer are sure how long they can keep the girls in their family.

Four months ago, they were thrilled when the state granted them long-term custody of the sisters, just a step shy of adoption. Now the state says it made an error and may want to place the girls elsewhere.