Barney Frank Rick Warren Statement: "Very Disappointed"

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), one of only three openly gay members of the House of Representatives, released a statement harshly criticizing Barack Obama's decision to have Rev. Rick Warren deliver the invocation at his inauguration:

"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."

And Joe Solmonese, the president of Human Rights Watch, wrote in the Washington Post Friday about his own disappointment:

It is difficult to comprehend how our president-elect, who has been so spot on in nearly every political move and gesture, could fail to grasp the symbolism of inviting an anti-gay theologian to deliver his inaugural invocation. And the Obama campaign's response to the anger about this decision? Hey, we're also bringing a gay marching band. You know how the gays love a parade.

Yes, the Rev. Rick Warren, pastor of the humongous, evangelical Saddleback Church in Orange County, Calif., has a sound message on poverty. And certainly, in the world of politics, there is a view that Barack Obama owes Warren for bringing him before fellow evangelicals, despite fierce opposition during the heat of the presidential campaign.

But here's the other thing about Warren, the author of the bestselling book "The Purpose Driven Life": He was a general in the campaign to pass California's Proposition 8, which dissolved the legal marriage rights of loving, committed same-sex couples.

For that reason, inviting Warren to set the tone at the dawn of this new presidency sends a chilling message to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans. It makes us uncertain about this exciting, young president-elect who has said repeatedly that we are part of his America, too.

Comments

[luisroman]

Everybody reach down, grab your loins and cinch them up, because by now you should understnad something: every week, President Obama is going to do something which will make you want to stick your head out the window and scream your head off. Why? Because he can identify some other portion of the population which he believes each of his head scratching decisions wil lin xome way benefit from the choices he makes. It is the ultimate example of pragmatism, decisions made not according to some consistent philosophical belief system, but rather according to the decision-maker's belief in the eiffcacy of inviting as many different segments of the population to feel they have a stake in the decisions which he is making. Not pretty, not always inspiring. We'll see how well this pragmatism transfers over to the job of actually legislating

[castleberry]

This isn't pragmatism, it is base political maneuvering. The election is over and there is no reason to give credence to Warren's hate-mongering. Obama is obviously just another politician.

[NWBrunette]

He's sure acting like it on this score.

[anthonylee]

What!?!

You make it sound like being a good politician is a BAD thing?

Also, outside of Warren's support of Prop. 8, what other "hate-mongering" is Warren responsible for? And with that, how is Obama giving "credence" to each and everyone of Warren's views by asking him to say a prayer?

[Housewife]

The intolerance of the Right wing has been oppressive for the last 8 years. Must we really suffer through the intolerance of the Left?

[Schnittke]

No, because Obama is smarter than that. Some of his (previous) followers are not, but they had their say on election day and now they have to just wait it out and give him a fair chance. Key world on fair.

[NWBrunette]

Being intolerant of hate-mongering and of those who want to take rights away from our fellow citizens is a good thing. Can't believe there are people out there who don't understand that, and yet think of themselves as Democrats.

[Housewife]

You can be against hate mongering, which I am, and still be against demonizing the other side. A good percentage of the population sees Warren as a leader. If he goes unacknowledged then we end up with a 53-47 split. That isn't good enough to fix what is broken in this country. I fine it hard to believe that people call themselves Democrats and yet are unwilling to accept that people who don't see things the way they do are evil. That's what the other side did for 8 long years. It has to stop and that is what Obama is trying to do.

[emdeebee]

Much ado about NOTHING. Name one clergy who could please everyone. Prez-elect Obama gets comments for as much as a sneeze. Besides, maybe he will pray for the economy, stupid.

[harriscrl3]

I find these comment sad I will tell you its because they are acting like Obama has gone back on something he said he was going to do. Thats WRONG he is doing what he said he was going to do. The problem isnt him its some of you. You dont get that change means coming out of your comfort zone sparking dialogue on these issues instead of keeping them hidden and pushing them to the side and rather than look at this as an opportunity you look at it as an insult a slap in the face when that was NOT what went into Obama's decision. Be angry and disappointed now and later when you see what he is doing and it makes sense rather than complement him and admit you were wrong just do the next thing you always do move on to the next thing that he does that you dont agree with and continue on complaining.

Carol

[MoeB]

Carol:

I still love Obama, but it WAS a slap in the face...and THAT'S what makes it a bad decision. I don't think anyone is saying that Obama wanted to have that effect.

But gay people's anger is not really about Warren being anti-gay marriage. So is Obama. It is what he says about gays ON TOP OF THAT.

When you are a part of a minority group (any) that keeps getting trampled on due to the will of the majority, lots of things hit you as major blows...it's not necessarily the ONE thing, but the fact that it's one thing after another. Let's not forget Prop 8 passed not even two months ago. Many gays are still a little peeved about that. So this is just more cannon fodder.

For ME, Obama can set this all right if he gives us a web address or something FULLY explaining why he chose him. His initial words were very lackluster and kind of dismissive (which I kind of understand, considering that was NOT the reason he had the press conference). I want to hear him say, that outside of being anti-gay marriage, that he and Warren share none of the same views concerning homosexuality.

[notthistime]

"I want to hear him say, that outside of being anti-gay marriage, that he and Warren share none of the same views concerning homosexuality."

oh please. If you don't know his stance by now by his policies and his record, you don't want to know.

[hollybork]

For me the problem is, Carol, that I thought Obama was a spiritually mature person. That he knew that prayer availeth much. That is obviously not true, based upon his choice of a person whose prayer cannot bless all the american people served by this administration. Rick Warren may be a pastor, he may have built a great church, he may have lots of bible quotes memorized, and be rich from his publications, but he is neither wise, holy, nor spiritually innovative enough to announce a great prayer. That is my take, anyway.

[notthistime]

You are right Carol.

100% on point.

[anghiari]

Barney gets to be angry...but how in the heck do we promote talking to our enemies internationally, if we aren't willing to be in the same room with fellow citizens with whom we disagree? Barney has a defined constituency from his district and support among gays and others who support his ideas...but PE Obama is to be the President of the United States, not just of the folks with whom he agrees. or who voted for him. I think it is brilliant to be inclusive particularly in a ceremony that represents the non violent changing of power in this country. It will be hard for those hard right/right wingers to keep bad mouthing Obama when he treats their icons as equals giving them access to him and the White House. I know too many gays whose family members say many of the same things that Rick Warren is alleged to have said, but they are willing to keep talking to family members to try and get them to step away from their homophobia to see the light. That is all that Obama is doing. It is hard to keep up the same bigoted arguments when you are sitting across from folks talking...they are no longer the untouchables, but our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, etc....Go to it Obama and give it your best effort...Bravo from this leftist!

[CathrynF]

Yes--dialog and inclusive conversation, perhaps at a forum early in the presidency. But at the inauguration? Poor choice, and symbolically hurtful to many.

[NWBrunette]

Nicely and simply stated. The point exactly. And what so many here seem to not be able to grasp.

[notthistime]

so it should be at an appointed time and place chosen by you?

hogwash.

[lneely]

When people invoke symbolism, it often means they are either fresh out of reason, or had none to begin with. I have yet to see any rational basis for being so angry about the Rick Warren invocation, which is little more than ceremonial.

Why has the LGBT community's focus switched from pro-gay to anti-preacher? Frankly, I think they need to get back on track real quick... Forget this idiotic Rick Warren crap. Focus on things like lobbying, political action committees, raising awareness... You know, PRODUCTIVE things!

[chronic]

Amen!

[AlKhateeb]

My God Anghiari, you are right. Pres.-elect Obama couldn't invite that Muslim homophobe Ahmedinejad or any of the Iranian Administration to DC muchless the Whitehouse. We have to break off all diplomatic ties with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Pakistan, Malaysia, indonesia. He couldn't meet with the Pope or any of the Catholic Bishops. Wow! That would certainly solve all of our problems. New rule: The President of the United States of America cannot meet with, talk to, propose meetings with or send any American emmisary to any country or nation-state that is found to be homophobic by the Secretary of Homosexuals Affiars or the ChairLGBT-person of the United States Office for the promotion of worldwide LGBTism. The joke here is that you have intelligent people here who must have certainly heard Pres.-Elect Obama's position on homosexual marriage before November 4th, they must know that Joe Biden being a Catholic is of more or less the same mind. And what, they suspended disbelief and assumed this was politics as usual, that Pres.-elect Obama really didn't mean what he had said! And anyway with the US going to hell in a handbasket in the economy the issue that steals their zeal and trust is this. Which is consistent with his previously stated view in any case? Idiots all!

[notthistime]

Bravo Bravo. co-signing on everything.

[wineandjazz]

Please read & RESPECT HIS CHOICE - even you Barney Frank!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/19/navarrette.warren/index.html

[Petey131]

Get over it Barney! and please comb your hair. That's a bigger problem.

[chronic]

LOL

[tomfl78]

Barney Frank you can't always get what u wont

[ohboynotagain]

And yet again I say, you cannot satisfy all the people all the time. Let's move on. When he runs for re-election in 4 yrs and gains a larger share of the evangelical vote, Dem's will be more than happy. Obama is staying true to his word and being inclusive.

I am sure he is sorry for hurting so many feelings.

[hildutus]

Obama needed to pick a "real Christian" of national stature to balance out his religious representation on the podium and appeal to all of the country. In theory, this was a very good, unifying move. Unfortunately, you cannot find such a well-known "real Christian" pastor who is not an anti-gay, anti-non-Christian bigot.

[BSERIUS]

Barney , You and Dodd should be in jail for your actions with Freddie and Fannie .

[delta7777]

THERE IS NO REASON THAT OBAMA COULD NOT AND SHOULD NOT HAVE INVITED DESMOND TUTU TO DELIVER THE INVOCATION....

Desmond Tutu's US relationship is firmly established through his service while he was William R. Cannon Visiting Distinguished Professor of Theology at Candler School of Theology at Emory University...Tutu is known, respected and revered throughout the world as a champion of human rights....

The choice of who is to deliver the invocation is a highly symbolic gesture.....

In light of the universe of available options, Warren is an unquestionably poor choice
and stands as an example of divisive factional pandering.....

[harriscrl3]

Oh please give me a break if he did the other half of the country would be upset perhaps even some of you. The fact of the matter is there is NO ONE he could have invited without angering people PERIOD.

Carol

[CharlesJ]

I agree harriscrl3, makes no difference who was selected, someone was going to end up being ticked off. This is going to be a short less than 3 minute prayer, nothing more. Warren will not be allowed to use his time in the lime light to put a wedge into Obama's attempt to be all inclusive, Obama will not allow it and I am sure Warren is well aware of that.

[AlKhateeb]

Idiot, Desmond Tutu is a great man, but he isn't American. If Pres.-elect Obama had chosen Bishop Tutu hen the argument would have been: "You mean he (POTUS) hates America so much he couldn't find a suitable American Minister?"

[lorla]

Barney Frank lost my respect when he slammed his gavel, and ordered the CEO's to exit the chamber and talk outside. Talk about power going to the head.
If he wants support for gay tolerant speakers, he will get it when he supports union friendly policies.