Gay rights groups upset over Obama's choice for inauguration pastor
Thu. December 18, 2008 12:00 AM by Kevin Wayne
Gay and liberal supporters call Barack Obama's inauguration pastor 'disrespectful'
Chicago, IL -
Gay rights advocates and liberals are upset over President-Elect Barack Obama selection of Rick Warren, a best-selling author and leader of the Saddleback mega-church in southern California, to read the invocation at his inauguration next month.
Many call Obama's choice disrespectful to a constituency that strongly supported his campaign.
"We feel a deep level of disrespect when one of the architects and promoters of an anti-gay agenda is given the prominence and the pulpit of your historic nomination," said the Human Rights Campaign, the largest US gay rights organization, in a letter asking Obama to reconsider.
"I think that it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something that I have been consistent on, and I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency," Obama said in response to a question during a press conference this morning in Chicago. "What I've also said is that it is important for America to come together, even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues."
Warren, described as a new breed of evangelical, remains a staunch opponent of gay marriage and abortion. A resident of California, Warren campaigned actively against same-sex marriage with support for Yes on 8 in November.
During the election campaign, the Rev Warren interviewed Obama and Republican John McCain in a widely watched television program that focused on a number of religious concerns. Unlike other evangelical leaders, Warren has not been tied to the Republican Party.
Warren is the author of "The Purpose Driven Life" a best-selling book.
Not backing down on his choice, Obama said "We're not going to agree on every single issue, but what we have to do is be able to create an atmosphere where we can disagree without being disagreeable."
Gay-rights activists have also shown frustration with Obama's lack of naming an openly-gay person to a cabinet post.
Video:
Warren explains his view on gay marriage during a taping with NBC News' Dateline to air this Friday. Watch his view on same-sex marriage:
Many call Obama's choice disrespectful to a constituency that strongly supported his campaign.
"We feel a deep level of disrespect when one of the architects and promoters of an anti-gay agenda is given the prominence and the pulpit of your historic nomination," said the Human Rights Campaign, the largest US gay rights organization, in a letter asking Obama to reconsider.
"I think that it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something that I have been consistent on, and I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency," Obama said in response to a question during a press conference this morning in Chicago. "What I've also said is that it is important for America to come together, even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues."
Warren, described as a new breed of evangelical, remains a staunch opponent of gay marriage and abortion. A resident of California, Warren campaigned actively against same-sex marriage with support for Yes on 8 in November.
During the election campaign, the Rev Warren interviewed Obama and Republican John McCain in a widely watched television program that focused on a number of religious concerns. Unlike other evangelical leaders, Warren has not been tied to the Republican Party.
Warren is the author of "The Purpose Driven Life" a best-selling book.
Not backing down on his choice, Obama said "We're not going to agree on every single issue, but what we have to do is be able to create an atmosphere where we can disagree without being disagreeable."
Gay-rights activists have also shown frustration with Obama's lack of naming an openly-gay person to a cabinet post.
Video:
Warren explains his view on gay marriage during a taping with NBC News' Dateline to air this Friday. Watch his view on same-sex marriage:
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