Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson was suspended for anti-gay comments based upon the Bible, and DD fans are proposing an A&E boycott and petition to support the Duck Dynasty star.
As previously reported by The Inquisitr , back in the summer Phil aid he wouldn’t stay as the Duck Dynasty star very much longer . He’d actually rather focus on hunting and enjoying life… just not in front of the camera. Phil Robertson’s net worth is in the millions so he really doesn’t need the money, anyway.
This isn’t the first time A&E has stood up against the Duck Dynasty clans’ personal beliefs in the Bible and Jesus. They wanted to cut out all prayers “in Jesus name” because they feared Muslims might be offended. Editors even inserted fake cursing bleeps when there was never any profanity being used.
Duck Dynasty has consistently brought in stellar ratings for the A&E network. With 9.6 million viewers, it is the highest rated telecast in the network’s history, so some were surprised A&E risked suspending Phil over his personal statements in GQ magazine.
“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,” said Phil Robertson. This viewpoint is not uncommon. In fact, some people argue homosexuality played a part in Polygamy laws being partially legalized in Federal court recently .
But what some consider the most controversial statement by the Duck Dynasty star was calling homosexuality “illogical”:
“It seems to me, a vagina — as a man — would be more desirable than a man’s anus,” Robertson 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.”
This is the statement A&E network released when they suspended Phil:
“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.”
In response, this is what Phil Robertson said about the Bible, his beliefs, and homosexuality :
“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.”
According to the Facebook group “Boycott A&E Until Phil Robertson Is Put Back On Duck Dynasty,” they passed 200,000 likes within six hours and, as of this writing, they are currently at 445,753 FB likes. They are asking that Duck Dynasty fans call A&E:
A&E Television Networks, LLC 235 E. 45th St. New York, NY 10017 NY Tel. 212-210-1400 Fax 212-210-1308
They’ve also suggested people on Facebook change their profile photo to one of Phil Robertson in support of him:
This is similar to how many LGBT supporters created an equals sign photo in support of homosexuality. Unfortunately, people are already claiming Facebook is taking sides and being biased against those in support of Phil. The admin of the FB page named Michael was allegedly banned for violating Facebook’s Community Standards.
Interestingly enough, some of the FB comments on the page include people supporting Phil who are part of the LGBT community:
“I for one (a GAY man) WILL stand behind Phil for expressing and believing his values even though not mine, that’s fine. People (A&E) need to get over themselves. Phil may not be Politically correct, but, he speaks his mind, there is no grey area with him and for that I RESPECT the man.”
In addition to the FB page, there is a Duck Dynasty , Phil Robertson petition against A&E on Change.org that has already gathered 30,000 signatures. This is how they state their goal:
“Freedom of speech along with freedom of religion is being attacked every single day in this country. Phil Robertson simply stated what his convictions are. Homosexuals have their convictions and Christians respect them. There is a difference between respecting someone rights to exercise free will and imposing on others what we believe. Phil has done nothing more than state what he believes in. Just because homosexuals do not agree, does not mean Mr. Robertson needs to be suspended.”
There is also a Twitter campaign using the hashtag #StandWithPhil in order to raise awareness.
A&E’s actions only feed the notion that gay people are “different” – treating them as special versus equal. #StandWithPhil #cwot
— ?The?FOO? (@PolitiBunny) December 19, 2013
The #StandWithPhil uprising shows that Americans do not support the radical homosexual agenda, promoted by organizations like @GLAAD .
— Caiden Cowger (@CaidenCowger) December 19, 2013
Do you agree the Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson needs to be reinstated by A&E network?
The sheer NUMBER of people coming out in support of #DuckDynasty ‘s Phil Roberton in 24 hours is….astonishing http://t.co/88oMYV7ZlI
— CNSNews (@cnsnews) December 19, 2013
Sarah Palin sticks up for ‘Duck Dynasty’ star who made anti-gay remarks http://t.co/3ervQBx8Jg
— TIME (@TIME) December 19, 2013