2004 Platform

Republican delegates approved the party's platform Monday. Among the planks:

Terrorism

Summary: Supports confronting terrorists and the nations that support them. Supports the spread of democracy worldwide. Supports increased intelligence gathering and advocates the establishment of a national counterterrorism center.

Excerpt: "Only total and complete destruction of terrorism will allow freedom to flourish."

Foreign policy

Summary: Calls for continued demands that North Korea dismantle nuclear weapons. Affirms support for Israel, the removal of Israeli settlements from the Gaza Strip and the creation of a Palestinian state. Favors ending Iran's alleged nuclear weapons programs. Suggests sending a special envoy to advocate peace in Sudan. Supports maintaining the embargo against Cuba.

Excerpt: "The United States must use this moment of opportunity to extend the benefits of freedom across the globe -- by actively working to bring the hope of democracy, development, free markets and free trade to every corner of the world."

Taxes

Summary: Says good government is based on a system of limited taxes and spending and that tax cuts should be made permanent, the system simplified and taxes made more difficult to raise.

Excerpt: "Making the tax cuts permanent is a crucial first step to expanding ownership and ensuring that America turns economic growth into lasting prosperity. The only way to accomplish this goal is to elect a solid Republican majority to both Houses of Congress."

Gay marriage

Summary: Advocates a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

Excerpt: "The well-being of children is best accomplished in the environment of the home, nurtured by their mother and father, anchored by the bonds of marriage. Legal recognition and the accompanying benefits afforded couples should be preserved for that unique and special union of one man and one woman."

Abortion

Summary: Opposes abortion; supports a "human life" amendment to the Constitution.

Excerpt: "The unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed."

Stem cells

Summary: Supports stem cell research from adult cells and opposes destroying human embryos for research.

Excerpt: "We applaud the president's call for a comprehensive ban on human cloning and on the creation of human embryos solely for experimentation."

Environment