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

[pthesmith]

I'm amazed at how quickly people forget the huge "Bush dump" Obama has to sort through. I hear so much "me, me, me" in how people are "disappointed" with Obama. "Well, he didn't choose the person I wanted for this... and he didn't choose the person I wanted for that..." The challenges Obama faces "on day one" are of historic proportions. I don't agree with every choice he's made, and I don't expect to , moving forward. But, I will not so easily abandon my hope for what he will be able to accomplish. Even if it requires an adjustment of my expectations.

So, PE Obama, consider this a reaffirmation of my support.

Citizen Smith

[RJII]

and darn if he doesn't always end up three steps ahead of our old ways. Obama!

[adv2int]

Amen to that.

[mcantwell]

My sentiments exactly!

[Word2mom]

Word.

[DarkandStormyNight]

I agree with your continued support and hope for Obama's presidency, but I am one of those people -- not gay, not lesbian, not anything but an American who thinks it's kind of important that the people who play such a personal role in such an historic day represent the diversity we will be celebrating, not the people who are trying to knock it down.

I guess that only postive aspect of Warren's participation is that he will also have to share the stage with people he has voted to diminish as second class citizens. By agreeing to participate, he stepping over his own bounaries.

[DgolD]

Obama's decision was politically and morally correct. There are two ways to heal the nation's divide. 1. Call yourself a uniter and then surround yourself only with people who agree with you and take hard line on every issue. 2. Actually work with people you disagree with as long as there is common ground to build on. Tactic one was Bush all the way, and gays got buried in the cultural wars. Tactic two is Obama's. Yes, it means that you'll have to put up with some people who's views you abhor. But it also gives you a chance to move people's opinion to your side. Gays make up only a small percent of the american population. As we learned from election results across the country, gays need more than the core Obama coalition to win. Warren is not perfect, but he is open to new ideas and he focuses on social justice more than traditional wedge issues. He is at the fulcrum between the progressive religious movement and the conservative religious movement. By giving the invocation, Warren is singling it's ok for religious conservatives to work with those who support gay rights and Obama signals that he really is a different type of president.

[lizziekw]

"Obama's decision was politically and morally correct."

Wrong! But thank you for playing, dear.

[DarkandStormyNight]

Not sure why this is just considered a gay and lesbian issue. I am neither and still believe that someone who openly suggests that allowing gay marriage is the same as allowing incest is not someone who should be sharing the state with our newly elected president.

[RJII]

#2 please. its a good way to convert votes for the next Prop 8.

[L3ftofC3nter]

Thank you for rational posting. I agree.

[hapaglloyd]

I dont think rick warren will have any effect on obama's policies, as a matter a fact ,after the inaugeration they wont even be much contact between the two, this is a one-off event. so chill out my progressive friends,we will have our universal health care,our stem cell research,our rights back,no more invasion of countries that never attacked us,full gay and lesbian rights. just give the man a chance,he is not president yet.

[Piatt]

Barney, I'm gay and I love 'ya but we've got bigger fish to fry. Did anyone think that Obama's appeal for unity was going to be achieved simply and painlessly? Division is so much easier and more emotionally satisfying. Instead of retreating into the absolute certainties that our identity politics allow us and snarling bumper sticker slogans at one another, unity may require that we actually consider and respect someone else's views.

In the long run, Warren's presence at the inaugural will be seen as nothing but an inclusive, gracious gesture. Who knows...th­e man may even reconsider his view on gays.

I think Obama's on the way toward becoming a great President.

[RoSull]

This was truly the most articulate response I have read on the matter yet. Thank you. I agree that this was meant as a unifying gesture and not meant to exhault Warren's views on social policies. I too wish that people would move beyond their party lines and affiliations and just let it be on this issue.

[incredulousnyc]

I, too thought this post was excellent and captures the sentiments I think Obama intended. However, how can a progressive reconcile this man's equation of homosexuality and pedophilia? How can we forgive the aggressive campaign to support Prop 8? I just don't know...

[incredulousnyc]

Sorry...fo­rgot to also ask why-oh-why does Warren's behavior not necessitate a repudiation just as we would expect if a political leader espoused this view?

[RJII]

wonderful comment.

[DarkandStormyNight]

So, you think having a bigot share the stage with our President elect on an historic day and one in which we should be able to celebrate diversity that includes not excludes justifies this approach?

[mcantwell]

Wow. Good Post!

[Word2mom]

Word Piatt . . .good post.

[raye1]

PT 2 : My issues with Barney Frank are political and not personal. I have the same issues with Pelosi and Reed! Our representatives in the house and senate are busy putting forward their agendas and not ours.

For clarification, when I write that Barney Frank needs to S*T*F*U* ,its an expression and I meant he should not make divisive comments at this time. It only causes infighting and takes our attention away from serious pressing issues.

If I offended any of my Gay Brothers and Sisters, I apologize . But we have to learn to agree to disagree , without being disagreeable with one another.

Renee (raye)

[raye1]

PT 1 : lizziekw : I wanted to take a moment out to reach out and address you personally.

90% of my friends are LGTB. Not trying to kiss up just a fact. I studied musical theater, that should tell you what my exposure to the Gay community has been like.

I came of age and lived in the Bay Area, in the late 80's when AIDS was just breaking out. I resigned from my families church because of their narrow minded, hateful views.

My previous points were just that we need to channel our energy into fighting the real enemies and not each other. I honestly feel that if we reach out to people such as Rev. Warren, just maybe we can change their hearts and minds. What would happen if they suddenly realized that we were showing them the compassion they never gave us?

I am a strong advocate for rights for everyone. I have the tremendous honor of living in a country where we have civil unions (Switzerland) and fought just as hard for that to pass as I did to register my fellow Americans to vote.

[lizziekw]

Renee, I already answered your post - all three parts - the first time you posted it.

This is the deal: Rick Warren persecutes women, gay people and scientists. It's enough. I don't need more to know that it is inappropriate for him to be honored with a spot on a Democratic inaugural stage. I take Maya Angelou's advice on this - when someone shows you who they are, believe them. Warren has shown the entire country that he's a bigot who persecutes our citizens and I believe him.

And once again, I am not gay. I am a straight, married woman who believes in equal citizenship for gay Americans, reproductive rights for women and science. Go figure.

As for all that Kumbayah ragtime - it's really not my thing.

[raye1]

lizziekw: What the heck does Kumbayah have to do with anything??? I can see that you are one of the Far Left Wing , Will Stomp , Yell , Scream, Shout, Throw a Temper Tantrum, if you don't get your way , part of the Democratic Party.

It is not only about what you think or what Gays think, its about what is best for this country and how do we bring everyone together.

I can tell by reading your posts that you are not someone who wants to try to see the other persons side and say ok , hey you know what ; let's just agree to disagree on this one. People like you are just as bad as the Rethugs that supported Palin . You are unmovable in your point of view. Can't see the other side for all the rage that clouds your view!

Sad really. I was offering a truce but I guess you're not mature enough .

P.S. As for your "And once again, I am not gay. I am a straight, married woman who believes in equal citizenship for gay Americans, reproductive rights for women and science. Go figure" comments I never said I was against any of those things. Passing Judgement are we? Go figure!

[toddag]

One thing about the Warren selection is that it has brough the issue of gay rights and gay marriage to the national forefront. A lot of LGBT activists are getting the opportunity to express their point of view in the MSM. It's an issue that is finally getting the exposure it deserves..­. and not just the images of protests after election day that were often spun in a negative way.

On another note: For some reason, every time I hear the name Saddleback Church, I think of Brokeback Mountain. Ironic, eh?

[DarkandStormyNight]

LOL!

[MadeInAmerica]

Hilarious!

[kennyfasugbe]

Any reasonable pundit can't argue Barney's adversarial response to the choice of Rick Warren by PE Obama. I found it hard to believe that choice, too, though I would love to give PE Obama the benefit of the doubt that it was mainly an error of judgment rather than a taste of what to expect of his administration in respect to every American's rights to exist fully as a citizen of this great country.

[kennyfasugbe]

Any reasonable pundit can't argue Barney's advisorial response to the choice of Rick Warren by PE Obama. I found it hard to believe that choice, too, though I would love to give PE Obama the benefit of the doubt that it was mainly an error of judgment rather than a taste of what to expect of his administration in respect to every American's rights to exist fully as a citizen of this great country.

[lagumbo]

Just chill. Didn't OBAMA say he will do things that we all will not agree on. Now tell me how can he please everyone.O­bama got this ,so let him do his thing. He knows what he is doing.

[Lady Rose]

I was disappointed when I heard of the selection of Warren on Inauguration Day.

I may never be able to totally understand the choice, but today I had an insight.

Before the election I read up on Sarah Palin, I came across information about how she wouldn't even get on stage at an event because there were people on stage that were prochoice. I remember thinking, "gee that is dumb."

Then I realized that my feelings about Warren, were in some ways similar to Palin's reaction to those who disagree with her.

The more I thought about it, I decided I would do my best to learn and grow in open mindedness and follow the example of PE Obama.

PE Obama is willing to stand on stage with someone who disagrees with him on some very emotionally charged issues. If we can be willing to stand on stage (in spirit) with him, then I think it can be a time of great change. We will probably never change Warren's mind and he will most certainly never change ours - however, if a mutual respect and dialogue can be established, more and more people can be educated and fear and misunderstandings can be lessened.

So instead of dreading that part of the Inauguration, I am going to follow PE Obama's example and be tolerant and respectful, and rise to the challenge in hopes that by that example others can also be tolerant and respectful on both sides of the issues.

[mcantwell]

Lady Rose, thank you for sharing your perspective. I'm a conservative, and one of the things that initially made me take a closer look at Obama was how he kept turning the other cheek everytime McCain and Palin (and many other hatemongers) used smear tactics against him. I realized that he did so not because he was weak, but because he was strong. In my opinion, he showed more chrisitan character and grace under fire than most christians I know. His ability to forgive those that perceive him as their enemy amazes me. That is one of the many reasons my family and I voted for him.

[Tropiholic]

He can choose whomever he wants, you are not going to agree with everything he does or says, get over it.

[DarkandStormyNight]

Now, that sounds like something a Bush supporter would say. Doesn't it? If you don't like it, too bad so sad?

[balatro]

Get use to it Frank. You can't expect obama to rule effectively without breaking some eggs. It seems small of you to be getting 90% of what you want and still complain about that other 10%.

[benne]

We have yet to see about the 90%. This doesn't bode well. Interesting how all the non-normative people have to wait their turn, but the financial executives don't have to.

[Tropiholic]

you must be a pooma benne, how's that debt coming along?

[DarkandStormyNight]

How do we know we're getting 90% of what we want? Obama hasn't taken office yet and this Country is in a mess. I be happy to get 40%. Also, Baltro, are you one of the eggs getting broken or just standing on the sidelines thinking, thank god that's not me?

[UticaCraig]

Wait a minute. Did Obama stop to consider that this would be like inviting someone who was against interracial marriage to speak? Was he thinking at all? But then, gay people are always the first ones to be sold out. I'm pretty much done with Obama before he takes office.

[ReportThis]

Man up, Craig -- this too shall pass.

[benne]

Easy for you to say, isn't it?

[lizziekw]

I agree with your premise - I don't know what he was thinking but it's a complete disaster. And yes, as a relatively small group, gay Americans always get used and tossed aside by our politicians.

I'm not anywhere near done with Barack Obama before he takes office. However, I am really angry that an anti-choice, anti-science, anti-equal­-citizensh­ip for gay Americans, religious extremist is being given a place of honor by a Democratic President at a Democratic inaugural. It's a slap in the face to every Democrat who supports (and voted for) equal citizenship for all, reproductive rights for women and freedom in scientific research.

I figured that after eight years of rolling over for the nutjobs on the religious right with Bush2 and 12 years of rolling over for them with Reagan and Bush1, we'd learned our lesson. I also figured that we'd have a break from pandering to religious extremists with an Obama administration.

But then, I'm not a DINO and this is not my first election. I actually believe in the core principles of the Democratic Party. I've worked for and supported them for decades, perhaps unwisely.

[RJII]

always the first ones-- hmm.

[rh654]

While I am not a supporter of Rick Warren and don't agree with him on some issues I think that the pick is a good one for Obama.

Obama promised Change and including people like Warren - people who represent the thinking of a lot of Americans is Change - otherwise Obama could just do the Non-Change thing of surrounding himself with Liberal Democrats who would make all of the Left Wing happy - but that would not be Change.

Funny how all of the folks who were so excited about Change - start complaining when that Change does not go every way they wanted it to go...

[benne]

Let's see another singular evangelical preacher to lead the prayer. That seems like the same-old, same-old. Couldn't he have gotten an ecumenical group of religious leaders to lead us in prayer? That would be real Change.