Nine Democrats in the U.S. House refused to vote for a Christmas resolution that condemns the worldwide persecution of Christians after voting for a resolution that "recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world"
Those nine were Diana DeGette, Gary Ackerman, Yvette Clarke, Alcee Hastings, Barbara Lee, Fortney Stark, Lynn Woolsey, Jim McDermott, and Robert Scott. So, what was the reasoning for supporting a resolution that recognizes Islam’s Ramadan but not one that recognizes Christmas? Spokesperson for Diana DeGette, Chris Aaron, gave a less than satisfactory answer. According to him, she voted in favor of the Ramadan resolution because it was about “rejecting religious extremism and promoting of religious tolerance." (Nevermind that the most extreme and intolerant people in the world happen to be Muslim) He went on to say, "She felt this resolution (recognizing Christmas and condemning persecution of Christians) promoted Christianity over other religions.” Seemingly, the Senator failed to realize that voting for the Ramadan resolution promoted Islam over other religions. Both Resolutions were ultimately approved, but the fact that many of those who voted for the Ramadan resolution would not vote for the Christmas resolution, is still troubling. According to Liberty Counsel, the Christmas Resolution was approved with nine “no” votes. Ten others voted "present" and 40 refused to vote at all. Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania, was “very pleased that 17 of our 19 congressmen voted to recognize the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith. Congressman John Murtha was one of 40 who did not vote and unfortunately Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz decided to simply vote 'present' rather than take a stand on such a controversial issue as Christmas.” She noted that Schwartz "did not hesitate" to vote for a resolution support the religion "of the 19 hijackers of 9/11 who brought down the World Trade Center, flew their airliner/missile into the Pentagon, and caused the death of the crew and passengers of Flight 93 as it crashed into a field outside Shanksville, Pa." More amazing is that the two resolutions had very similar wording and both carried the same purpose of denouncing religious persecution across the world. The Ramadan resolution began: Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and Where as the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commenced at dusk on September 13, 2007, and continues for one lunar month: …" The Christmas resolution started: Whereas Christmas, a holiday of great significance to Americans and many other cultures and nationalities, is celebrated annually by Christians throughout the United States and the world... Whereas on December 25 of each calendar year, American Christians observe Christmas, the holiday celebrating the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ...Whereas many Christians and non-Christians throughout the United States and the rest of the world, celebrate Christmas as a time to serve others:" The Ramadan resolution then acknowledged "the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world," expressed "friendship and support for Muslims," noted "the onset of Ramadan," and rejected "hatred, bigotry, and violence directed against Muslims." It also "commends Muslims … who have privately and publicly rejected interpretations and movements of Islam that justify and encourage hatred." The Christmas resolution continued to acknowledge "the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world," expressed "continued support for Christians," noted the historical importance of Christmas, the role "played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States," and rejected "bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide." "Notice that the Christmas resolution uses similar language. It is astonishing that those who supported the Ramadan Resolution would vote against the Christmas Resolution," Liberty Counsel said. The group has suggested that voters check how their representatives voted and to “respectfully point out their hypocrisy” if they were one of those who voted in favor Ramadan and against Christmas.
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