Site determines the 20 most tolerant U.S. states

[pgodbold]

The Daily Beast names the 20 most tolerant U.S. states, basing its rankings in part on popular support for marriage equality. Wisconsin, Maryland and Illinois take the top three spots.

The Daily Beast: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-01-16/ranking-the-most-tolerant-and-least-tolerant-states/

[Riftaxe]

1. #9 out of 50

Not to shabby :)

[Fearless]

2. Several of the stats are skewed..

For instance a highly intolerant state will naturally have lower that porportional claims for discrimination and hate crime incidences. First because their laws make these definitions wider, second because people in more intolerant states are pressured socially not to come forward with claims, and third because in more intolerant states claims are more likely ignored.

[laconicsax]

3. +1

Even assuming (falsely) that the statistics you name are an accurate indicator of how much discrimination takes place, the rankings aren't consistent with the other criteria offered.

29th-ranked Texas has a lower "gay rights score" than last-place Wyoming and a lower percentage of people who support marriage equality.

It would probably be better if the rankings were given for each criteria independently, then the problems you point out would be well (hopefully) highlighted.

[IrishEyes]

4. Vermont was 25

I thought it would make at least the top 20. I lived there for 8 years. It is a very blue state and it legalized gay marriage a few years ago.

[toddaa]

5. The last item on their criteria is fucking bullshit

"Population that believes many religions lead to eternal life"

Great. All atheists are intolerant (but we all knew that already). The Pew Research forum from which that data comes from has a strong religious bent. They are making an effort to study nonbelievers in America, which is a good thing, but that poll question is still fucking bullshit.

Sorry to drag godless heathen issues into the discussion on tolerance.

[Creideiki]

6. Hooray Virginia!

We're in the Top 20 for tolerance--as long as you're not gay. For you gay people, please exit to the north or south.

Looks like Virginia wants to change their motto from, "Virginia is for STRAIGHT LOVERS ONLY!!!!" to, "Virginia: We're tolerant--as long as we think you're not icky."