Democrats Put 'God' Back in Platform; Recognize Jerusalem as Israel's Capital
Correction appended
"God" is back in the Democratic National Convention's platform after delegates voted Wednesday to amend it.
Along with adding a reference to God to the party platform, delegates also recognized that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel.
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The amendments were introduced by former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, an ordained United Methodist minister who chaired the platform drafting committee. Delegates, however, appeared to be split on the updates.
Three roll call votes were taken as the "aye" and "no" voice votes were too close to call. The amendments needed a two-thirds majority approval to pass. After it was determined that the motions passed, many booed.
The vote came amid some criticism over the DNC platform, which was approved by delegates on Tuesday, not including a reference to God. The Democratic Party has mentioned God in previous platforms – once in 2008, seven times in 2004 and four times in 2000, according to Media Matters.
"I think it was easy for the Democrats to remove God from their platform given their support of issues such as abortion on demand and same-sex marriage go against what God's word says on these issues," Connie Mackey, president of Family Research Council Action PAC, told The Christian Post. "We've been fighting to keep the definition of marriage and pro-life language in the Republican platform because people do read it and they do care what it says."
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin went on the defense on Fox News Tuesday, as he denounced the media network for trying to conclude that Democrats are godless.
"If the narrative that's being presented on your station and through your channel and your network is that Democrats are godless people, they ought to know better. God is not a franchise of the Republican Party," Durbin ((D-Ill.) said.
"If you're trying to draw some conclusion that the Democrats are godless, present your evidence. Present your evidence."
When offering the amendments, Strickland stated that he affirms and attests to "our belief in God is central to the American story and informs the values we've expressed in our party's platform."
Regarding Israel, the former governor stated that since President Obama recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Democratic Party's platform "should as well."
The amendments read:
"We need a government that stands up for the hopes, values, and interests of working people, and gives everyone willing to work hard the chance to make the most of their God-given potential."
"Jerusalem is and will remain the capital of Israel. The parties have agreed that Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations. It should remain an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths."
Correction: Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012:
A previous version of this article incorrectly reported that Ted Strickland is the governor of Ohio. He is the former governor of Ohio.
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