This is an update to the post below. Courtesy of Aravosis, comes this statement from Barack Obama:

“I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country,” Obama said in the written statement.

“I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin’s views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division,” the statement added.

Simply not good enough, not that I frankly expected anything better. I am heartened to see that he mentions homophobia, however I would have liked o see him take a harder approach to the language he used to talk about McClurin’s views. “strongly disagree” would be better as “repudiate”.

It seems like the campaign did a terrible job vetting the participants, at least that is what I am optimistically thinking. The campaign would have faced significant blowback if they disinvited McClurin. Instead they decided to face the ire of the GLBT community. That was a political calculation and further evidence of where the community stands with respect to Barack Obama. Needless, to say this will be a continuing topic of conversation in the GLBT blogosphere and has the potential to stay in the media’s eye. Expect more of this from Aravosis:

That’s nice, Senator. You strongly disagree with the bigot who thinks I need to be cured, and who has declared “war” on me and my people, but you’re going to put the guy on stage with you anyway in order to make a few bucks. Nice. I wonder what Obama would say if Hillary invited David Duke to speak at an event but then said, not to worry, she really loves black people – kisses!

I look forward to reading Pam Spaulding’s thoughts on the controversy.