Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson has been suspended indefinitely from the popular A&E television show. Phil was suspended after voicing his opinions about homosexual relationships, during an interview with GQ magazine. When A&E read what Phil had said, they immediately suspended him from the show, and released a statement explaining their decision.
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. 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.
“It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus,” Phil explained. “That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”
“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he continued. “Don’t be deceived. 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.”
After the extensive backlash that Phil received following his dismissal, he released a statement of his own.
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. However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal also released a statement, defending one of the most loved television personalities of all time.
Phil Robertson and his family are great citizens of the State of Louisiana. The politically correct crowd is tolerant of all viewpoints, except those they disagree with. I don’t agree with quite a bit of stuff I read in magazine interviews or see on TV. In fact, come to think of it, I find a good bit of it offensive. But I also acknowledge that this is a free country and everyone is entitled to express their views. In fact, I remember when TV networks believed in the First Amendment. It is a messed up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh, and Phil Robertson gets suspended.
Millions of fans are furious over A&E’s decision, and have taken to social media to voice their disgust. A petition on Change.org has also been started in hopes of bringing Phil back.
As much as I am FOR gay rights, I do not agree with A&E on banning Phil Robertson because I believe more in freedom of speech and beliefs.
— Acacia Brinley (@AcaciaBrinley) December 19, 2013
Phil Robertson A&E #DuckDynasty – I'f this offends you — > so? pic.twitter.com/7epYS7XEAG
— Ulysses E. McGill (@Just_a_Texan) December 19, 2013
A and E I think I think you trampled Phil Robertson's civil rights and ran off a significant bunch of viewers.
Only time will tell.
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) December 19, 2013
Sign the petition to bring Phil Robertson back! http://t.co/EVxmJCUTiO #DuckDynasty #StandWithPhil pic.twitter.com/lk0iwtVyDK RT
— Duck Dynasty Fans (@Duck_Dynasty) December 19, 2013
What do you think about Phil’s comments? Leave your comments below.
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