http://www.boston.com/dailynews/130/nation/La_House_passes_anti_racism_me:.shtml

La. House passes anti-racism measure, stripped of Darwin references

By Associated Press, 5/10/2001 07:41

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) The Louisiana House of Representatives approved a resolution condemning racism, after removing criticisms of Charles Darwin that had been the measure's original focus.

''I think condemning racism is something we can and should do without controversy, but to embark on an academic debate on interpreting the work of Darwin is a mistake for this body and detracts rather than adds to our condemnation,'' Rep. Loulan Pitre said Tuesday.

Pitre proposed an amendment removing all references to Darwin, who developed the theory that all life evolved from simple forms through a process of natural selection.

The House unanimously passed the amended resolution, which condemns racism, Adolf Hitler and the concept that some races are inherently superior to others.

The original resolution rejected racist Darwinist ideology. It said Hitler exploited the views of Darwin and those influenced by Darwin to justify the extermination of millions of Jews during the Holocaust.

The resolution's sponsor, Rep. Sharon Broome, highlighted passages from Darwin's books that referred to ''civilized races of man'' and exterminating and replacing ''the savage races.''

Opponents said Broome was misinterpreting Darwin's theories, arguing the measure was a ploy by creationists to edge evolutionary teachings out of schools.

The measure now requires Senate approval.

-- Anonymous, May 10, 2001