Duck Dynasty star used anti gay comments in 2010 speech

Duck Dynasty family members say they are considering withdrawing from the series over AE's suspension of patriarch Phil Robertson for anti gay comments joining many conservatives leaping to his defense.

Robertson the patriarch of the backwater Louisiana clan on the reality show about hunting fishing and domestic squabbles was put on indefinite hiatus by AE for his remarks to GQ magazine characterizing homosexuality as sinful behavior.

We have had a successful working relationship with AE but as a family we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm said the statement which was released on the Robertsons' Duck Commander website. We are in discussions with AE to see what that means for the future of 'Duck Dynasty.'

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The statement said the Robertsons have spent much time in prayer since learning of AE's decision. We want you to know that first and foremost we are a family rooted in our faith in God and our belief that the Bible is His word.

While some of Phil's unfiltered comments to the reporter were coarse his beliefs are grounded in the teachings of the Bible. Phil is a Godly man who follows what the Bible says are the greatest commandments 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart' and 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Phil would never incite or encourage hate. We are disappointed that Phil has been placed on hiatus for expressing his faith which is his constitutionally protected right.... Again thank you for your continued support of our family.

Reaction to Robertson's comments was swift from across the political spectrum with gay rights group GLAAD condemning the remarks while conservative politicians defended Robertson.

Former U.S. Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal both leapt to the star's side saying he was a victim of political correctness.

Free speech is an endangered species Those 'intolerants' hatin' taking on Duck Dynasty patriarch for voicing personal opinion take on us all tweeted Palin.

Jindal also a Republican and possible 2016 U.S. presidential candidate criticized AE's reaction and described Robertson and his family who turned their animal call company Duck Commander into a hunting industry leader as great citizens of the State of Louisiana.

The politically correct crowd is tolerant of all viewpoints except those they disagree with Jindal said in a statement.

You can see your politics whether you see this as an issue of hate speech or free speech said Craig Detweiler a professor at Pepperdine University in Malibu California who specializes in media and religion. What you see is conservatives pushing back on social pluralism.

Petitions started at Change.org and by Christian consumer group Faith Driven Consumer have each received more than 50 000 signatures demanding Robertson return to the show.

GLAAD representative Wilson Cruz responded to Robertson's remarks with a statement

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.

Phil's decision to push vile and extreme stereotypes is a stain on AE and his sponsors who now need to reexamine their ties to someone with such public disdain for LGBT people and families.

Former American Idol contestant Clay Aiken also offered his thoughts on the scandal saying that such comments and attitudes are built out of fear.

Aiken made the statement on The Arsenio Hall Show on Thursday telling his former Celebrity Apprentice castmate that Robertson s comments prove that society still has a long way to go in accepting homosexuality.

I think it certainly shows that we've got a long way to go when it comes to people being accepting and understanding Aiken who came out as gay in 2008 said. Homophobia racism . all of it's built out of fear. All of it's out of fear. And if you grow up in an area like Louisiana and you're not exposed to diversity then you can be afraid of things.

Robertson critical of gay in 2010 speech

Robertson made similar remarks in a religious speech given two years before the series began its run on cable network AE.

The speech posted on video sharing website YouTube in February 2010 shows Robertson addressing a supper at Berean Bible Church in Pottstown Pennsylvania and condemning homosexuals in the 45 minute talk that touched on the U.S. Constitution and secularization of American society.

They (homosexuals) committed indecent acts with one another said Robertson clad in his usual camouflage in the video posted on the church's YouTube page which has drawn fresh attention in the wake of Robertson's suspension from one of the most watched shows on cable television.

And they received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion he added. They're full of murder envy strife hatred. They are insolent arrogant God haters. They are heartless. They are faithless. They are senseless. They are ruthless. They invent ways of doing evil.

Robertson the patriarch of the Louisiana clan on the reality show about hunting fishing and domestic squabbles was put on indefinite hiatus by AE on Wednesday for his remarks to GQ magazine characterizing homosexuality as sinful behavior.

A spokeswoman for AE a joint cable network venture of Walt Disney Co and privately held Hearst Corp did not immediately return a message seeking comment about whether AE knew about Robertson's earlier comments on homosexuality.

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