The new Republican Party platform of Oklahoma requires teaching creationism in public schools.

And people wonder why I call this “the GOP’s big problem.”

The Platform of the 2009 Tulsa County Republican Convention. (PDF)

7. We believe that the scientific evidence supporting Biblical creation should be included in Oklahoma public schools curricula, and if any evolution theory is taught, that both should receive equal funding, class time, and material. Teachers should have the freedom to cover creation science without fear of intimidation, reprimand, or lack of professional respect.

[…]

Curriculum
1. Curricula should include […] the option of using the Bible as HISTORY [emphasis added] or literature text.

Republicans voted down proposals to hold a convention next year and to ditch the party’s 29-page platform for a simple one-page expression of national Republican Party principles.

The party’s platform approved Saturday opposes the promotion of homosexuality and supports placing the Ten Commandments in all public schools “as a means of moral guidance.”

(Hat tip: freetoken.)