News (With Videos) – Rick Warren Roundup
Rick Warren, a supporter of Proposition 8 whom President-Elect Obama invited to give the invocation at his inauguration, has said some pretty ignorant and hateful things about gay relationships.
Here is Warren’s response to the controversy:
Here is Rachel Maddow’s scathing and insightful commentary on the situation:
“[Obama] did not invite Warren to his house, he invited him into ours.” Neither the political left nor right are pleased with this situation (the right-wingers are angry that Warren accepted the invitation, those that aren’t already upset with him for taking controversial stands on issues such as climate change), which makes the situation look like a serious miscue for Obama.
GlaadBLOG.org has assembled more videos of news coverage on this issue.
Representative Barney Frank also released a statement about the controversy.
I am very disappointed by President-elect Barack Obama’s decision to honor Reverend Rick Warren with a prominent role in his inauguration.
Religious leaders obviously have every right to speak out in opposition to anti-discrimination measures, even in the degrading terms that Rev. Warren has used with regard to same-sex marriage. But that does not confer upon them the right to a place of honor in the inauguration ceremony of a president whose stated commitment to LGBT rights won him the strong support of the great majority of those who support that cause.
It is irrelevant that Rev. Warren invited Senator Obama to address his congregation, since he extended an equal invitation to Senator McCain. Furthermore, the President-Elect has not simply invited Rev. Warren to give a speech as part of a series in which various views are presented. The selection of a member of the clergy to occupy this uniquely elevated position has always been considered a mark of respect and approval by those who are being inaugurated.
Source: Frank, Barney. “Obama’s choice of Warren is very disappointing.” HuffingtonPost.com. 18 December 2008. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rep-barney-frank/obamas-choice-of-warren-i_b_152239.html (retrieved 20 December 2008).
Joe. My. God. has assembled more reaction-quotes.
Meanwhile, Obama defends choice of anti-gay pastor and releases talking points on Rick Warren selection.
Anderson Cooper’s coverage:
