We saw this one coming. When the Duck Dynasty star made his statement that sin and homosexuality is not logical, we knew it would not be long before A&E would take action for Phil exercising his freedom of speech.
A&E, the cable network which airs “Duck Dynasty,” has suspended Phil Robertson indefinitely from filming, issuing the following statement: “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.”
Ironically, GLADD is happy about A&E’s action. GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz stated: “What’s clear is that such hateful anti-gay comments are unacceptable to fans, viewers, and networks alike. 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.”
Robertson released his own statement in response to the flap early Wednesday: “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. 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.”
Duck Dynasty has become a breakout hit for A&E, regularly luring 9 million-plus viewers. A&E is playing a dangerous game and should consider that ducks can always migrate.
Phil Robertson and all Americans should be allowed to state their beliefs and the biblical viewpoint, as long as it is without a call to violence, without the fear of being fired or persecuted.
This used to be America.
wow this is just sad. And they say we are intolerant?
Homosexuality is sin. We are all sinners. Jesus hung out with sinners. We can hate sin and love sinners. No one is without sin. Losing your job because you are a christian with beliefs that are not popular is persecution. But blessed are the persecuted
They say bible teaching is hate speech because it does not agree with their view of life. If their parents were homosexual, they would not be here anyway. The bible is not hate speech and does not condone violence against them just because they do not believe in bible teachings, unlike other religions that they seem to champion. Maybe they should pull the plank from their own eye before they complain and condemn about others.
I don’t think the old mantra about being “tolerant” has been a goal of the LGBT community for a long time. Without being too simplistic, please consider that the channel’s name is “Arts” and “Entertainment”… Today, except for Christian TV channels, one could turn from channel to channel, watch show after show, for days on end, and never ONCE hear the name of Jesus (at least not in a loving, non-cursing way). It makes my heart ache.
True. Its just disconcerting to see so much hatred towards those who believe what the Bible teaches… Uncanny…
Hey, Phil was just tellin’ like IT is! I thought it was a bit of a unique way actually guess Duck fashion, Louisiana style! Thought it was REAL interesting that this “came out” in GQ magazine. THEY did not censor the comments , maybe encouraged and certainly printed. Up go their sales! Good article Pastor Paul. The offensive will always be offended then called on their vileness!!
The bible also teaches us not to lie. Is one, in direct response to a question concerning his belief, to lie? His honest answer bore no reflection on A&E or on it’s beliefs. While answering honestly, he also displayed his tolerance to the gay community. Is A&E’s stance to lie, in addition to their views on gays? While A&E wants ‘tolerance’ towards gays & lesbians, how about A&E’s ‘tolerance’ to the truth and ‘tolerance’ to one’s rights under the first amendment? My hope is that the entire crew of Duck Dynasty follow A&E’s lead and for them all walk out. Let’s see what that does to their ratings and subsequent ‘tolerance’ views!
I plan to call my service provider and ask that A&E be taken off my plan.