DALLAS, April 4 (UPI) -- Texas Democrats are turning to the Bible to build support and reframe the debate in the Legislature.
Meetings of the House Democratic Caucus in Austin now include weekly morality and Bible lessons and talks by clergymen, The Dallas Morning News reported Monday.
Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer of San Antonio has produced the religious programs to show lawmakers how to reframe the debate in terms that support their views.
"For me, religion has always been a private matter, but in the wake of false prophets working in political circles, it's important for us to talk about religion and talk about it accurately," he said.
Democrats say Republicans talk about abortion and homosexuality, but they want to turn the values debate toward social justice issues like healthcare spending for the poor.
State Republican Chairman Tina Benkiser dismissed the Democrats' plan, saying they are "out of touch with the country's moral and family values."
