Obama sparks controversy over inaugural invocation choice

With preparations for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration well underway, the incoming commander-in-chief has ignited controversy over his selection of the Rev. Rick Warren to deliver his inaugural invocation.

Activists and organizations within the movement for LGBT rights immediately denounced Obama's decision to include the controversial minister in his inauguration. Warren, who founded Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., backed Proposition 8 in California. He has also made controversial and arguably inflammatory statements that, among other things, attempted to link marriage for gays and lesbians to incest and pedophilia.

Obama clearly the arguable good will of the majority of Americans--including those who identify as LGBT--at his back as he prepares to take office. He also campaigned on an intoxicating message of change and hope that certainly resonated with the majority of LGBT Americans who had become disillusioned over the last eight years, but Warren's selection to deliver the inaugural invocation amounts to an arguable slap in the face to those who put their faith with Obama that he would truly listen to LGBT concerns and requests. Obama is arguably adhering to the advice of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi [D-Calif.] and other party leaders who have urged for his administration to govern from the middle. Warren's selection is perhaps a politically motivated attempt to achieve this ideal, but a clear case can also be made rights for LGBT Americans, which Warren appears to oppose, have become a moderate issue.