Posted 4/12/2007 05:16:00 PM by Douglas

There are too many tacks in this one to be pissed off about, I don't know where to begin. [Another registration-required but probably more stable link here.]

AUSTIN Couples who complete premarital education courses would get financial incentives under a plan tentatively approved today by the Texas House.

Well, not really. It's not really a "financial incentive" if they jack up the price from $30 to $100 just so they can push their agenda, whatever it might be.

Backers of the bill by Representative Warren Chisum of Pampa say the program would strengthen marriages.

Classes would be taught by certified marriage counselors, clergy, mental health professionals or others specified in the bill.

The course would be at least eight hours of instruction.

It would teach conflict management and communication skills, plus early childhood development and parenting.

Afterward, participants wouldn't have to pay a marriage license fee -- which is raised from the current 30 dollars to 100 bucks under the bill.

The 72-hour waiting period for a license would be waived for participants.

Some critics say the fee hike is a marriage tax on those who choose not to take the classes.

Well duh, that's the easy criticism. What about the class itself? We need some kind of state sanctioned counseling before we sign over our lives to someone else? I can't help but think that this would have the opposite effect. I don't know the number of young couples that would sit through eight hours of State re-education and say to themselves, "Forget it," but I know it ain't zero.

Is there any possible way we can get the State to stay the hell out of our personal lives? Because we know that if there's a group that understands the importance of family and the sanctity of holy matrimony, it's politicians in Austin.

Chronicle link.

Labels: HB 2685