The Democratic platform is oddly more passionate in its “Internet freedom” section than it is about religious-freedom.
In a section about faith, the platform ropes in climate change with freedom and rather than a robust commitment to defend religious liberty, it merely promises that government will do what it can do . . . to accommodate the work of religious entities when possible:
Faith has always been a central part of the American story, and it has been a driving force of progress and justice throughout our history. We know that our nation, our communities, and our lives are made vastly stronger and richer by faith and the countless acts of justice and mercy it inspires. Faith-based organizations will always be critical allies in meeting the challenges that face our nation and our world—from domestic and global poverty, to climate change and human trafficking. People of faith and religious organizations do amazing work in communities across this country and the world, and we believe in lifting up and valuing that good work, and finding ways to support it where possible. We believe in constitutionally sound, evidence-based partnerships with faith-based and other non-profit organizations to serve those in need and advance our shared interests. There is no conflict between supporting faith-based institutions and respecting our Constitution, and a full commitment to both principles is essential for the continued flourishing of both faith and country.
Compare that to the passion with which the platform defends abortion rights:
The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay. We oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right. Abortion is an intensely personal decision between a woman, her family, her doctor, and her clergy; there is no place for politicians or government to get in the way.
Freedom of worship is a universal value, according to the platform. But, again, check out the context:
America’s leadership extends beyond our economic prosperity and military might—it is also rooted in our enduring commitment to advancing a core set of universal values. These include an individual’s freedom to speak their mind, assemble without fear, have access to information, worship as they please, and choose their own leaders. They also include dignity, tolerance, and equality among all people, and the fair and equitable administration of justice. The United States was founded upon a belief in these values, and people of every race, region, and religion around the globe have claimed these principles as their own. The President and the Democratic Party believe that nations that embrace these values for their citizens are ultimately more prosperous, peaceful, and friendly to the United States than those that do not.
At least there is an accommodation for religious folk in the same-sex-marriage section:
We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference.
It’s the government that carves out room for religious liberty under this Democratic party’s worldview. The average Democratic voter may not view the world this way, but this is how its leaders do. This is how they make policy. (Go to the videotape.)
A platform, a convention, the policies. Make no mistake what the priorities are. And that’s why they need to invoke Todd Akin as much as they can between now and the election, in the hopes you’ll look away.