Social Issues

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**FILE** Defense Secretary Leon Panetta listens during a news conference at the Pentagon on Jan. 24, 2013, where he announced he is lifting a ban on women serving in combat. (Associated Press)

Scoutmaster Ann Perrone poses for a photograph, Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2013, in Drexel Hill, Pa. The Boy Scouts of America's proposed move away from its no-gays membership policy has outraged some longtime admirers, gratified many critics and raised intriguing questions about the iconic organization's future. Perrone said she's spent the past 13 years fighting the ban by writing letters, speaking out and wearing gay-rights rainbow symbols. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

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Del. Charles Poindexter (R-Patrick) looks over details of a house subcommittee recommendations on funding school security measures included in the House budget bill during a Sunday legislative session in Richmond, Feb. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/The Richmond Times-Dispatch, Joe Mahoney)

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**FILE** President Obama and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius leave the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington on Feb. 10, 2012, after the president announced the revamp of his contraception policy requiring religious institutions to fully pay for birth control. (Associated Press)

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“I think if the election were held today, I would lose,” Rep. Stephen F. Lynch concedes about his bid to succeed former Sen. John F. Kerry. “But the election is not today.” (Associated Press)

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A mother walks with her children to the MacArthur Park Primary Center School in Los Angeles Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013. Within six months, California's Hispanic population will equal that of whites and soon after will surpass it, a milestone in the country's shifting demographics. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

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Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell gestures “0” as he urges eliminating the state gasoline tax in favor of an increase in the state sales tax to fund transportation needs on Jan 8. (Associated Press)

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Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has proposed giving public schools a letter grade, a move that is seen as essential to generating parental and community support for improving schools. (Associated Press)