Daily Archives: 06/22/2011

(Community Matters) from Andrew Sullivan

. . . .  but it does seem plenty odd, don’t you think, that a leading Mormon would argue that marriage cannot be redefined, when his own church redefined it well over a century ago to outlaw polygamy, previously one of the LDS church’s deepest doctrines? If you can redefine it from that, why would subsequent redefinitions – such as allowing inter-racial marriage – not be permitted?

More to the point: if Huntsman is referring to his religious position, wouldn’t that bar all non-Mormons from marriage as Mormons understand it? No non-Mormon can be married in a temple. Even non-Mormon parents of the groom or bride are not allowed. So if marriage cannot be redefined outside Mormon grounds, does Huntsman believe that anyone apart from Mormons are actually, you know, married?

Huntsman does favor civil unions and says he won’t begrudge a state for passing marriage equality

(Community Matters) I would criticize these groups for succumbing but others blasted us for taking a position on interested carried tax policy. The latter appears much more relevant to EF’s business than an AT&T/T-Mobile merger to civil rights, but that’s my perspective. I’m glad the LGBT groups are reassessing their positions.  story here

(Community Matters) Very proud of Kyle & Kim Hughes who were the primary organizers of this important nonprofit. I had no idea Austin has the highest suicide rate in Texas

Vodpod videos no longer available.

(Community Matters) in USA Today

Raymond’s* 2009 study of charters in 15 states and Washington, D.C., found that just 17% of charters were providing superior education opportunities for their students, half were no different from traditional schools and a third delivered results that were worse than public schools. [KIPP and UT charter school exceed benchmarks but are not the norm.] full article

*Margaret Raymond, Stanford University’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes