WASHINGTON – A Democratic lawmaker filed a resolution in the House of Representatives that, if approved, would recognize February 12, 2017, as “Darwin Day” and celebrate the father of evolution’s contributions to science.

House Resolution 44, filed on Wednesday by Democratic Rep. James Himes of Connecticut, seeks to honor Darwin on the 208th anniversary of his birth.

“Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by the mechanism of natural selection, together with the monumental amount of scientific evidence he compiled to support it, provides humanity with a logical and intellectually compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth,” the resolution asserts.

In addition to celebrating Darwin and his legacy, the resolution criticizes biblical creation, claiming it undermines the well-being of the nation’s education systems.

“[T]he teaching of creationism in some public schools compromises the scientific and academic integrity of the United States education systems,” H.R. 44 claims.

Thirteen other Democratic representatives co-sponsored the resolution, which was referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

“Whereas February 12, 2017, is the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin in 1809 and would be an appropriate date to designate as ‘Darwin Day,’” the resolution says, “Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives—(1) supports the designation of ‘Darwin Day’; and (2) recognizes Charles Darwin as a worthy symbol on which to celebrate the achievements of reason, science, and the advancement of human knowledge.”

In a statement, Himes praised the notorious naturalist as a “true hero.”

“In our modern political climate, when the very facts and truths revealed by science are under attack, honoring the efforts of scientists, the true heroes of human history, is vitally important,” he said. “By celebrating and commemorating the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, we not only acknowledge his enormous contributions to our better understanding of the origins of life, but send a message that we value education, knowledge and science as our guiding principles.”

On Thursday, the American Humanist Association applauded the pro-Darwin resolution.

“With widespread problems of fake news, climate change denial and anti-vaxxers plaguing American society, now is the time to look to the rationality of Charles Darwin and other scientists who carry on his legacy of curiosity and critical thinking in the pursuit of truth,” said the group’s executive director, Roy Speckhardt. “We urge Congress to support the Darwin Day Resolution to uphold science, reason and innovation, values that we need now more than ever.”

Ken Ham, CEO of Answers in Genesis, says the celebrations of Darwin’s birthday show that evolutionists are increasingly aggressive and intolerant in promoting their “anti-God philosophy.”

“Evolutionary ideas provide the foundation for this worldview because they seemingly allow mankind the ability to explain the existence of life and the universe without God,” Ham wrote in response to a 2015 Charles Darwin Day celebration in Delaware.

“As Christians, we need to be bold in proclaiming the truth of God’s Word to a hurting (groaning, Romans 8:22) world,” he said “This year, on February 12, instead of celebrating Darwin’s anti-God religion, we can take this opportunity to show the world that Darwin’s ideas about our supposed evolutionary origins were wrong, and that God’s Word is true from the very beginning.”

Become a Christian News Network Supporter...

Dear Reader, has ChristianNews.net been of benefit and a blessing to you? For many years now, the Lord has seen fit to use this small news outlet as a strong influential resource in keeping Christians informed on current events from a Biblical worldview. With much compromise and many falsehoods in modern-day Christianity, we strive to bring you the news by keeping Christ and His word in focus. If you have benefited from our news coverage, please prayerfully consider becoming a Christian News supporter by clicking here to make a one-time or monthly donation to help keep the truth of God's word widely and freely published and distributed. May Christ continue to be exalted through this work!