Tag: anti-gay

Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty (L) with cast

“Duck Dynasty” personality Phil Robertson has been suspended from the A&E reality series, following anti-gay remarks he made in an interview with GQ magazine.

In a statement, A+E Networks said he had been placed on indefinite hiatus.

“We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series ‘Duck Dynasty,’” the company said. “His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.”

GLAAD spokesman Wilson Cruz applauded the suspension, saying that it sends “a strong message.”

“What’s clear is that such hateful anti-gay comments are unacceptable to fans, viewers, and networks alike,” Cruz said. “By taking quick action and removing Robertson from future filming, A&E has sent a strong message that discrimination is neither a Christian nor an American value.”

In his comments, Robertson compared equated homosexuality with bestiality, among other things.

Right wing websites are losing their minds saying this is an attack on free speech and the First Amendment. Quick refresher on a couple of things:

The 1st amendment does not mean you can say whatever you want to say. It only means the government cannot punish you. It was written aimed primarily at allowing people to criticize the government and governmental officials without reprimand.

Freedom of speech does not give you freedom from consequences. If you don’t believe me, go into work tomorrow and call your boss an “asshole” and see what the First Amendment does for you. It’s an easy exercise in how it all works.

Like I always say “Act like a fool, get treated like a fool.”

(via The Wrap)

As I reported earlier, “Duck Dynasty” personality Phil Robertson told GQ Magazinew that homosexuality is a “sin,” citing his Christian faith and the Bible as the basis of his belief:

“Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers — they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right,” he told the magazine.

Robertson has now issued a pseudo-apology sent by his network A&E to the Huffington Post:

“I myself am a product of the 60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together,” says the duck hunter.

Robertson goes on, “However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other.”

Being such a good Christian, I wonder – did Robertson think his original statement was “loving?”

GLAAD has  issued a statement slamming the reality star for his remarks.

“Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil’s lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe. He clearly knows nothing about gay people or the majority of Louisianans – and Americans – who support legal recognition for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples,” says a spokesperson.

The rep adds, “Phil’s decision to push vile and extreme stereotypes is a stain on A&E and his sponsors who now need to reexamine their ties to someone with such public disdain for LGBT people and families.”