WATCH: Annise Parker Publicly Sworn in as Houston Mayor

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.