By Kathleen Gilbert
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The White House has confirmed that President Obama has invited leaders of the homosexual lobby to the East Room of the White House on Monday to celebrate the “birthday” of the homosexualist movement. Obama is expected to make an appearance at the event.
The goodwill gesture, which the White House has not publicized, follows growing dissatisfaction from the homosexual lobby towards Obama's handling of various issues.
Activists have decried Obama's failure to aggressively attack the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the military's “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy banning open homosexuals, both of which Obama promised to overturn.
Following reports that several homosexualist leaders had received invitations, the White House confirmed the event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
The riots of June 1969 at Stonewall Inn in New York City, where a group of homosexuals fought back against a police crackdown of a homosexual bar, is considered by many to be the formal beginning of the homosexualist movement.
“Next Monday's event is a chance for the White House to recognize the accomplishments of LGBT Americans,” White House spokesman Shin Inouye said. “This event was long planned as a way to applaud these individuals during Pride month.”
Obama had also issued a proclamation on June 1 declaring June “LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Pride Month.”
“Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before,” read the proclamation.
“The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done.”
Tim Goeglein, Focus on the Family's vice president of external relations, pointed out the irony of Obama celebrating the Stonewall Riots after refusing to participate in the National Day of Prayer.
“It's disappointing that after several years of celebrating the National Day of Prayer in the East Room at the White House, the day unfortunately in this instance does not get equal billing,” said Goeglein.
“It's a mistake not to be able to commemorate the National Day of Prayer at the highest possible levels, and we're very hopeful that this will be rectified next year.”
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
President Obama Declares June 2009 'LGBT Pride Month'
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/jun/09060208.html