Obama could elect to shift course on marriage
Chuck Small
Published: Tue, Dec. 30, 2008 12:30AM
http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/columns/story/1349217.htmlRALEIGH --
Many Americans -- gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight -- could barely contain their fury at the news that Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church would deliver the invocation at the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Their anger is understandable, given Warren's statements equating being gay with being promiscuous and comparing same-sex marriage to polygamy or incest.
Yet on his way to the presidency, Obama showed himself to be devoted to the notion that Americans ought to be able to form a more perfect union. Responding at a news conference to a question about Warren, Obama called himself "a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans" while reiterating his commitment to respectful dialogue regardless of disagreements. By inviting Warren, perhaps Obama can begin to build that bridge of tolerance and respect.
If Obama truly is dedicated to a more perfect union, is it too audacious to hope that this includes Americans regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity? Maybe we could hear something like this on Jan. 20, Inauguration Day:
