After a private swearing-in ceremonyover the weekend, Annise Parker was publicly sworn in as Houston's mayor earlier this morning. Parker was elected to the mayor's office in a decisive and historic win in a special run-off election only three weeks ago. The nation's fourth largest city now becomes the largest with an out gay or lesbian mayor. Watch the public inauguration WHEN YOU JUMP.
Meanwhile: One of the nation's leading evangelical pastors offered supportive words to counter the hateful anti-gay message from Westboro Baptist Church. "In stark contrast to a handful of protesters outside brandishing signs invoking the name of God together with anti-gay slurs, Lakewood Church Senior Pastor Joel Osteen gave thanks in an opening prayer for 'raising up' Parker. 'We honor her today and other elected officials,' he said."
Via Firedoglake, watch the public inauguration WHEN YOU JUMP.
More great news that gets far too little press.
Posted by: Taylor Siluwé | 04 January 2010 at 14:55
Excellent news. I know a lot of people are very happy in Houston right now. And rightly so!
Posted by: Greg G | 04 January 2010 at 17:56
“Mayor Parker, would you and Ms. Hubbard please join me at the podium for the administration of the oath of office?”
You have to admit, that is quite cool.
And there was not a single fire-breathing hate-filled greed-motivated pastor to be heard anywhere inside the hall.
The pastors and their paymasters remain hopeful that they will one day exterminate justice in this land once and for all; but for now, a brief moment of peace.
Posted by: Jim | 04 January 2010 at 23:01
Yes Jim, that was freakin cool,..I would have liked to see a kiss on the lips after the swearing in, but erring on the side of modesty is never wrong. Congrats Annise Parker!
Posted by: Procrastination_Xtravaganza | 05 January 2010 at 10:03