FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2008

CONTACT: Alice Kessler, Government Affairs Directors
PHONE: (916) 284-9187 EMAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Equality California Denounces Selection of Rick Warren to Give Invocation at  Presidential Inauguration

Executive Director Calls President-elect's choice "appalling", Asks Members to Take Action

SAN FRANCISCO - In response to the invitation of Rev. Rick Warren to give the invocation at the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, EQCA Executive Director released the following statement:

"It is appalling that President-elect Barack Obama would invite California Pastor Rev. Rick Warren, an ardent supporter of Prop 8 and someone who is opposed to the equality of LGBT Americans, to give the invocation at his inauguration.  It is a slap in the face to the millions of LGBT Americans who supported his historic candidacy.  Would President-Elect Obama invite someone to give the invocation who supported eliminating the civil rights of a minority other than the LGBT community?  Of course he wouldn't!

"President-elect Obama should immediately rescind this invitation.  It would be impossible for any self-respecting LGBT person to be expected to participate in the inauguration where a vocal opponent of our equality is given such a prominent role."

EQCA is asking its members to sign the following petition to President-elect Barack Obama at www.eqca.org/takeaction:

Dear President-Elect Obama:

We the undersigned demand that you revoke the invitation of California Pastor Rev. Rick Warren due to his opposition to equality for LGBT Americans and his active support of Proposition 8 which eliminated the right of same-sex couples to civil marriage in California and put discrimination into the California Constitution.

EQCA works to achieve equality and secure legal protections for LGBT people. To improve the lives of LGBT Californians, EQCA sponsors legislation and coordinates efforts to ensure its passage, lobbies legislators and other policy makers, builds coalitions, develops community strength and empowers individuals and other organizations to engage in the political process.  www.eqca.org