[Apologetics] Rep. Hostettler: Democrats Demonize Christians

[Art Kelly]

Republican: Democrats Demonize Christians
By ANDREW TAYLOR
The Associated Press
Monday, June 20, 2005; 6:11 PM
WASHINGTON -- A Republican congressman accused Democrats on Monday of
"denigrating and demonizing Christians" by concluding there was religious
intolerance at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
During debate on a proposal by Democrats that would put Congress on record
against "coercive and abusive religious proselytizing" at the academy, Rep.
John Hostettler, R-Ind., criticized Reps. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., and David
Obey, D-Wis.
"Like a moth to a flame, Democrats can't help themselves when it comes to
denigrating and demonizing Christians," Hostettler said.
Democrats leapt to their feet and demanded Hostettler be censured for his
remarks. After a half-hour's worth of wrangling, Hostettler retracted his
comments.
The imbroglio broke out as the House conducted an otherwise sleepy debate on
a spending bill to fund the Pentagon and provide an additional $45.3 billion
for the war in Iraq.
At issue is how Congress should respond to allegations of proselytizing and
favoritism for Christians at the Air Force Academy.
Obey had succeeded during committee debate in attaching a provision
condemning Air Force Academy officers for creating a climate where
non-Christians were discriminated against.
The Air Force is investigating numerous allegations of inappropriate actions
by academy officials, including a professor who required cadets to pray
before taking his test and a Protestant chaplain who warned anyone not
proselytizing would "burn in the fires of hell."
Obey said a senior chaplain at the academy was transferred to Japan after
criticizing what she saw as proselytizing.
Republicans offered softer language requiring an Air Force report to
Congress on the steps it was taking to promote religious tolerance. They
said they did not want to jump to conclusions before the investigation was
complete.
Democrats criticized Hostettler's remarks, which began, "The long war on
Christianity in America continues today on the floor of the United States
House of Representatives."
Obey said Hostettler's "outburst ... is perhaps the perfect example of why
we need to pass the language in my amendment."
Hostettler, a Christian and social conservative, made headlines last year
when he was caught carrying a loaded handgun in a carry-on bag in the
Louisville, Ky., airport. He pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon
and received a 60-day sentence, which he will not have to serve unless he
has other criminal troubles before August 2006.
© 2005 The Associated Press

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