News
2005-11-01
Wisconsin school
cancels fashion show
A Roman Catholic
school is canceling a fashion show by the manufacturer
of a popular line of dolls and children's books amid
criticism
A Roman Catholic
school is canceling a fashion show by the manufacturer
of a popular line of dolls and children's books amid
criticism that American Girl is contributing to an
organization that supports abortion rights and
acceptance of lesbians.
St. Luke School in Brookfield,
Wis., notified students' parents of the decision
through bulletins at Masses over the weekend. Money raised
through ticket and raffle sales was to go toward a new
playground and a refurbished library. "It's a bargain
we'll just have to pass up," wrote Frank Malloy, St.
Luke pastor. "The cost is too high. Our integrity
isn't for sale."
American Girl spokeswoman Julie Parks said no
other groups have canceled because of the issue. The
fashion shows include the company's popular historic
dolls being carried by girls who dress up in the same outfits.
Two national groups—the Pro-Life Action
League in Chicago and the American Family Association
in Tupelo, Miss.—have raised questions about
the American Girl brand and its parent company, Mattel Inc.,
because of the company's fund-raising for Girls Inc.,
a group that offers a wide range of programs and
resources to help educate and encourage girls in
everything from science to health. That includes information
about abortion and contraception along with sexual
abstinence. The organization also affirms lesbian
sexual orientation. (AP)
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