2012 Party Platforms

God This platform had all mentions of God removed and then added one reference at the end of the process This platform has 12 references to God

Abortion We assert the sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. We support legislation to make clear that the 14 th Amendment protects the unborn. We strongly support a woman’s right to make decisions regarding her pregnancy, including a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay.

Family Planning We support access to affordable family planning services, and will continue to oppose the defunding of Planned Parenthood health centers. We oppose using public tax dollars to promote of perform abortions or fund organizations which perform or advocate abortions and will not fund health care which includes abortion services.

Same-Sex Marriage We oppose discriminatory federal and state attempts to deny equal protection of the laws to same-sex couples who seek to be married. We support the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act signed into law by President Clinton. We reaffirm our support for a Constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. We support the voters of a majority of the states who have added this amendment to their state constitutions.

ObamaCare We support the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) and firmly believe that it was the right thing to do for Americans as individuals and America as a country. We are committed to repealing the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) and firmly believe that the free-market will foster affordable and responsible health care reform that meets the specific needs of individuals.

ObamaCare Mandate/Religious Liberty We believe that women should have access to contraception in their employer provided health insurance plans as required by the Affordable Care Act We pledge to protect the religious rights and beliefs of individuals by opposing the requirement that contraception be provided by employers in health insurance coverage.

Education We support options for learning, including home-schooling. We support school choice thru charter schools, career and technical schools, vouchers and tax credits to provide options for children in failing schools We will continue to strengthen all of our schools and work to expand public school options, including magnet schools, charter schools and career academies.

Energy We will let the free- market and the public’s preferences determine industry outcomes. We advocate an “all of the above” diversified approach to taking advantage of all of America’s natural resources for energy use. We support an “all of the above” approach to developing energy resources. The federal government should encourage and reward those industries that promote responsible energy use and innovation.

Voter Identification We oppose states from implementing voter identification laws that would be harmful to minority and low- income voters. We support state efforts to require proof of citizenship to vote and requiring a photo ID to vote in order to prevent voter fraud.

Immigration We believe state efforts to reduce illegal immigration must be encouraged. The double- layered fence along the border that Congress passed in 2006 must be completed. Federal funding must be denied to any university that offers in-state tuition to illegal aliens. We believe that employers who hire illegal aliens must be held accountable. We must differentiate between illegals who pose a danger to our communities and illegals who do not pose a threat such as children who come here thru no fault of their own.