1.  In recent years, the church has adopted a softer stand toward gays and lesbians.

2.  When it comes to vegetables, the new president takes a softer stand on broccoli than his father did.

3.  The explosion comes just days after China had signalled a softer stand on international plans for a comprehensive test ban treaty.

4.  The explosion comes just days after China signaled a softer stand on international plans for a comprehensive test ban treaty.

5.  Iran on Wednesday hailed an EU initiative in support of British writer Salman Rushdie saying it was a softer stand which would merit an historic response.