Petition to Obama to Rescind Invitation to Rev. Rick Warren

Last week, I wrote of my hope and belief that, as President-elect of the United States, Barack Obama is focused on our unity.

Today Obama selected ardent Prop 8 supporter Rev. Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration.

It is difficult not to view Warren's selection as a slap in the face not only to the LGBT community, but to everyone who is committed to equality for all.

Linda Douglass, a spokeswoman for Obama, defended the choice of Warren, saying, "This is going to be the most inclusive, open, accessible inauguration in American history."

As reported by CNN, Douglass continued: "The president-elect certainly disagrees with him on [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender] issues," Douglass said. "But it has always been his goal to find common ground with people with whom you may disagree on some issues."

That is simply not good enough.

It is imperative - now more than ever - that we not disengage from the society we want to embrace us truly and fully; but rather, that we press on and continue to demand an equal voice at the table and nothing less than full equality.

Although our equality does not trump other pressing concerns like poverty, the economy, or the environment, nor do those issues trump our basic human rights.

I ask that you join me in signing Equality California's petition to President-elect Obama to immediately rescind his invitation to Warren.