Senator Proposes Designation of Feb.12 as 'Darwin Day'

WASHINGTON -- A congressional resolution introduced in the Senate gives special recognition to Charles Darwin for his theory of evolution and claims that the biblical teaching of creation "compromises the scientific and academic integrity of the education systems of the United States."

Connecticut's Sen. Richard Blumenthal introduced the resolution last month that would designate Feb.12 as "Darwin Day."

Senate Resolution 337 praises Darwin as "a worthy symbol of scientific advancement" for developing the theory of evolution through natural selection.

It further notes that Darwin's theory "provides humanity with a logical and intellectually compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth."

Beyond distinguishing Darwin for his efforts in gaining "the monumental amount of scientific evidence" in support of his theory, the resolution also proclaims that the biblical teaching of creation "compromises the scientific and academic integrity of the education systems of the United States."

Sen. Blumenthal's resolution is partnered with a similar resolution introduced by Connecticut Rep. Jim Himes, and has been attempted to be passed by The American Humanist Association for the past five years.

Before Blumenthal's resolution celebrating the work of Darwin was introduced to Congress, hundreds of churches nationwide have honored Darwin's birthday annually with "Evolution Sunday" since 2006.

However, founder of Creation Letter, Tony Breeden, launched a countermeasure in 2009 called "Creation Sunday."

Breeden told Christian News Network last year that Creation Sunday allows churches "in the United States and abroad to make a stand for the ultimate authority of the Bible and the historical veracity of Genesis."

Historical documentation reveals that not all scholars who traveled with Darwin proclaimed support for his theories. This is especially noted in reports that Adm. Robert FitzRoy, who was the captain for Darwin's trip to Galapagos Islands, interrupted the 1860 Oxford evolution debate by raising a Bible and petitioning the audience to "believe God rather than man."

The senator's will be reviewed by the Congressional Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.