Pro-life Democrats Shunned at NC Democratic Party Executive Meeting
For immediate release
North Carolina Pro-Life Democrat's calls for an amendment to the NC Democratic Party Platform were rejected at the State Executive Committee meeting in Greensboro on August 27, 2005. Despite numerous requests for compromise language that would state the objection of pro-life Democrats to abortion on demand in the party platform, the Platform Committee and delegates approved platform language that goes beyond pro-choice to pro-abortion.
Our first request that the most extreme section about abortion be dropped thus removing all mention of abortion pro or con was rebuffed. We then offered a conscience clause that was also denied. It read:
"We recognize that many Democrats do not support this particular reproductive rights issue, and, accordingly, we respect the right of those whose opposing position is a matter of their spiritual values or religious faith."
Eva Ritchey, President of NC Pro-Life Democrats (northcarolina.democratsforlife.org) said, "We were disappointed that such a reasonable request was denied. The pro-life Democrats who make up 43% of our party have been repeatedly ignored and minimized within our North Carolina party. We understand that the platform is an important document of core beliefs, an article of faith, and as such we are no longer willing to be identified with an article of faith that validates the destruction of human life. This is also a fairness issue. Should almost 50% of our party be forced to share opposing beliefs?"
Ray McKinnon, Board Member of NC Pro-Life Democrats who was also in attendance said, "As a committed Democrat, I was saddened when such a minimal request that would not have changed the platform, only enlarged the tent, was denied. We are not going to rest until our party comes back to its roots and speaks for all people, born and unborn."
This decision further highlights the disconnect between the leadership of the Democratic Party and its grassroots members. In a New York Times/CBS Poll in July, 2004, the following question was asked, "Abortion should be generally available to those who want it rather than under stricter limits or not permitted."
Seventy five percent of 2004 DNC delegates agreed with this statement, but only 48% of registered Democrats agreed with the statement. Further, the failure of the NC Democratic Party to acknowledge its pro-life constituency only sharpens the sword of the Republican Party. The Republican Party has continued to make gains in our conservative state as evidenced by two Republican senators and a Republican President.
The North Carolina Democratic Party is out of step with the national viewpoint. The majority of Americans and the majority of North Carolinians no longer support abortion on demand.
Legislative Alert
NC Pro-Life Democrats support HB 263, Victims of Unborn Violence Act
We ask that every pro-life Democrat please contact your representative. For more information:
Contact your representativeLifeNews: North Carolina Needs Unborn Victims Law...
Please call the speaker of the NC House, Joe Hackney, at (919) 733-3451 and the President Pro-Tempore of the NC Senate, Marc Basnight at (919) 733 6854 to ask them to allow the citizens of our state the opportunity to purchase a "Choose Life" license plate. The money raised by the sale of the plate would help fund crisis pregnancy centers.
Upcoming Events
Event: North Carolina Right to Life 35th Anniversary Dinner
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2008
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Greensboro, NC
Note: Please join NC Pro-Life Democrats at the NCRTL's 35th
Anniversary Dinner. Special Guests: Wanda Franz, Ph. D and Sentor Elizabeth Dole. For more info, visit: http://ncrtl.org
Past Events
Thanks for joining us at...
Event: State Executive Committee Meeting
Date: Saturday, January 26, 2008
Time: 10:00pm
Place: Hamlet, NC
Note: We will be petitioning for the passage of HB 263, Victims of Unborn Violence Act and the "Choose Life" license plate. For more info, visit: http://ncdp.org
North Carolina Pro-Life Democrats is just one chapter in a large collective of pro-life Democrats.
We are proud affiliates with the national Democrats for Life effort. Find out more about the nationwide effort by going to democratsforlife.org.