Yesterday the Republican Party’s platform committee approved a draft platform that would take our country and the state of Connecticut back to the dark ages and attacks women, immigrants, and the LGBT community. The GOP’s platform stands in stark contrast with the Democratic Party’s progressive vision to build an economy that works for everyone – not just those at the top.

With the GOP’s draft platform unveiled, the question for the Connecticut lawmakers – Themis Klarides, Art Linares, and John Frey – attending the Republican National Convention to support Donald Trump is whether they will vote to adopt this hateful, bigoted, right-wing platform.

Here are some of the GOP platform lowlights:

1. Attacks the LGBT community by calling for the overturn of the Supreme Court’s decision to make marriage equality the law of the land, supports the scientifically debunked practice of “conversion therapy” for gay people, and opposes President Obama’s efforts to ensure transgender equality in public accommodations.

2. Attacks women by calling for completely defunding Planned Parenthood and criminalizing abortion.

3. Falls laughably short of recognizing the threat of climate change. Even calls coal a “clean” energy source.

4. Requires the Bible to be incorporated into public schools and legislators to use biblical teaching – not the U.S. Constitution – as a guide when crafting laws.

5. Calls for Donald Trump’s border wall and his ban on Muslim immigration.

6. Prevents women, who have fought for the right to hold combat positions for years, from holding combat roles in our military.

7. Says nothing about guns. 

“The Republican Party’s platform is absolutely horrible, yet remarkably consistent with the Republican Party’s priorities over the past decade. It attacks women, the LGBT community, immigrants, Muslims, and working people. Connecticut Republicans heading to the convention – particularly the elected officials – need to be very clear about whether they will support this disastrous platform.

“Where do Themis Klarides, Art Linares, and John Frey stand? Will they vote for this platform and the candidate that is championing it? I hope they will show some leadership and publicly reject this despicable platform and the national Republican agenda.” – Connecticut Democratic Party Executive Director Michael Mandell