Rev. Louie Giglio Backs Out of Obama Inauguration Over Previous Anti-Gay Comments

Rev. Louie Giglio Backs Out of Obama Inauguration Over Previous Anti-Gay Comments. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rev. Louie Giglio, who had been tapped to give the invocation at President Obama’s inauguration January 21, has backed out over previous anti-gay comments, sources confirmed to ABC News.

Here’s a passage from Louie Giglio’s sermon in mid-90s uncovered by Think Progress:

“We must lovingly but firmly respond to the aggressive agenda of not all, but of many in the homosexual community. … Underneath this issue is a very powerful and aggressive moment. That movement is not a benevolent movement, it is a movement to seize by any means necessary the feeling and the mood of the day, to the point where the homosexual lifestyle becomes accepted as a norm in our society and is given full standing as any other lifestyle, as it relates to family. “

Addie Whisenant of the Presidential Inaugural Committee said in a statement:

We were not aware of Pastor Giglio’s past comments at the time of his selection and they don’t reflect our desire to celebrate the strength and diversity of our country at this Inaugural. Pastor Giglio was asked to deliver the benediction in large part for his leadership in combating human trafficking around the world. As we now work to select someone to deliver the benediction, we will ensure their beliefs reflect this administration’s vision of inclusion and acceptance for all Americans.