NH Democratic Party accused of ‘religious intolerance’

[WestVirginiaRebel]

NH Journal:

The head of a pro-family political group in New Hampshire accused the New Hampshire Democratic Party of religious intolerance on Thursday for criticizing a Christian state legislator for conducting what it called a religious tirade at a Christian gathering in September.

Democratic spokeswoman Harrell Kirstien accused Republican State Rep. David Bates of attempting to impose a Bible belt social agenda after video surfaced of Bates saying the only hope for America is to turn from our wicked ways and ask god to heal our land and the problem we have here in this country and in all of our states is that we no longer fear god at New England Solemn Assembly in Plymouth Massachusetts.

Now Kevin Smith, head of Cornerstone Policy Research, is calling on the Democratic Party to apologize for the attack.

The NHDPs mischaracterization of Representative Bates faith are not only rooted in religious bigotry, but represents the height of hypocrisy for a party that supposedly prides itself in being tolerant of others beliefs, Smith said. The NHDP owes Rep. Bates and the hundreds of thousands of Christians in this state an apology for his truly offensive and ignorant remarks.

No elected official, whether Republican or Democrat, should have to endure such bigoted remarks from a political party simply because they express their religious faith in a public forum, continued Smith. Mr. Kirstein ought to re-read the first amendment to the US Constitution and realize all people are guaranteed the freedom of religion, whether he agrees with their beliefs or not.

Below is video of Rep. Bates remarks:

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I'm leery of mixing religion and politics in general, but this guy was speaking at a religious gathering of Christians, not in the state legislature or on the campaign trail. What else was he supposed to talk about?