Anti-abortion speaker praises Democrat tolerance .  Alan Elsner  CHICAGO 1996-08-27  An anti-abortion politician addressed the Democratic convention on Tuesday , but praised the overwhelmingly pro-abortion rights party for its tolerance of his minority views .  Rep .  Tony Hall of Ohio said he and other Democrats who opposed abortion had always felt left out in their own party .  " But this year is different .  For the first time , the Democratic Party has included in our platform a conscience clause , " he said .  The clause recognizes and welcomes Democrats with divergent views on abortion and states they have a full part to play at all levels of the party .  " The Democratic Party is indeed the party of true inclusiveness , " Hall said .  At its convention four years ago , organizers prevented then Pennsylvania Gov .  Robert Casey , a vehement opponent of abortion , from speaking .  Republicans have used their decision as an example of Democrat intolerance ever since .  Casey told a news conference in Chicago on Tuesday he had asked to speak again this year but was turned down .  Democratic leaders said there was not room on the program for every retired governor to speak .  " I believe the Democratic party ought to be pro-woman , pro-child and pro-life , " [START_ENT] Casey [END_ENT] said .  " I asked for the opportunity to deliver this message from the podium of the Democrat National Convention .  For the second time in four years , my request fell on deaf ears , " he said .  The Republican Party , whose platform calls for making all abortions illegal , faced a similar dilemma this year when Massachusetts Gov .  William Weld asked to deliver a speech defending abortion rights and was turned down .  Bob Dole , the Republican presidential nominee , tried and failed to insert a tolerance clause in his party 's platform recognizing the validity of those within the party who supported abortion rights .  Democrats also heard Tuesday two passionate speeches defending abortion rights .  Kate Michelman , president of the National Abortion Rights Action League , described how she had an abortion at a time when the procedure was illegal after her husband abandoned her with three young children .  " I 'm here to speak up for choice and to speak for truth .  The message from the Republican Party is one of disdain .  Their answer to choice is control and punishment .  Our answer is trust , compassion and respect , " she said .  Georgia Rep .  Cynthia McKinney said : " You make your moral decisions .  I 'll make mine and let 's leave ( Republican House Speaker ) Newt Gingrich out of it . "
Bob Casey Sr.