Democrats Called Anti-Christian

(CBS/AP)  A Republican congressman from Indiana created an uproar in the House on Monday by accusing the Democrats of being anti-Christian.

"Like a moth to a flame, Democrats can't help themselves when it comes to denigrating and demonizing Christians," said Rep. John Hostettler.

Hostettler made the remark during debate over a proposal introduced by Democrats that would have put the House on record as opposing "coercive and abusive religious proselytizing" at the Air Force Academy.

According to the Washington Post, Hostettler claimed that "the long war on Christianity in America continues today on the floor of the House of Representatives" and "continues unabated with aid and comfort to those who would eradicate any vestige of our Christian heritage being supplied by the usual suspects, the Democrats."

The congressman's remarks infuriated Democrats, who demanded that Hostettler withdraw his statement. The imbroglio broke out while the House conducted an otherwise routine debate on a $409 billion spending bill to fund the Pentagon budget and provide an additional $45 billion for the war in Iraq.

The dispute brought House business to a halt for about 45 minutes, when Hostettler agreed to retract his remarks. The Democratic proposal on the Air Force Academy was defeated.

The House instead approved by voice vote a Republican plan requiring an Air Force report to Congress on the steps it was taking to promote religious tolerance.

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