President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk from the White House with their daughters Sasha Obama, second from left, and Malia Obama, right, on their way through Lafayette Park to St. John's Episcopal Church for Easter services, Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Washington. (AP)
The pastor at the Washington, D.C. church where the Obama family celebrated Easter on Sunday said members of the religious right want blacks "in the back of the bus," women "back in the kitchen" and immigrants "back on their side of the border."
"It drives me crazy when the captains of the religious right are always calling us back...for blacks to be back in the back of the bus...for women to be back in the kitchen...for immigrants to be back on their side of the border," Rev. Dr. Luis Leon said in his sermon, according to the White House press pool report.
Reuters reporter Jeff Mason tweeted that Leon also said the religious right wants gays in the closet.
[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/jeffmason1/status/318391385281679360"]
Citing the words of Jesus, Leon said, "You cannot go back."
The president, first lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia all attended the service at St. John's Episcopal Church, located across the street from the White House. Known as "The Church of the Presidents," St. John's boasts having hosted every president for services since 1816 and has a dedicated pew for the commander in chief.
Obama faced controversy during the 2008 presidential campaign over the fiery words of his longtime pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
