‘Darwin Day’ bill rips creationism

Three House Democrats have proposed a resolution that criticizes the teaching of creationism and the denial of man-made global warming as anti-science.

The resolution from Reps. Rush Holt (D-N.J.), Jim Himes (D-Conn.) and Mike Honda (D-Calif.), H.Res. 467, proposes the designation of Feb. 12 as “Darwin Day” to recognize Charles Darwin’s contributions to science.

{mosads}The resolution says Darwin’s theory of evolution through natural selection “provides humanity with a logical and intellectually compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth.” It also says teachings to the contrary go against established science.

“[T]he teaching of creationism in some public schools compromises the scientific and academic integrity of the United States education systems,” it reads. It adds that the validity of Darwin’s theory of natural selection is “strongly supported by the modern understanding of the science of genetics.”

The resolution also takes a shot at global warming skeptics, by saying the advancement of science “must be protected from those unconcerned with the adverse impacts of global warming and climate change.”

Febr. 12 is the anniversary of Darwin’s birth in 1809, and it says the House supports the designation of that date as “Darwin Day.” It also says the House recognizes Darwin as a “worthy symbol on which to celebrate the achievements of reason, science, and the advancement of human knowledge.”

Holt proposed a similar resolution last year, which won the support of five additional House Democrats: Reps. Mike Capuano (Mass.), Jared Polis (Colo.), Charles Rangel (N.Y.), Louise Slaughter (N.Y.) and now-Sen. Ed Markey (Mass.).