text: 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 , " Casey 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 . "