Kirk Cameron Receiving Support Despite Anti-Gay Comments
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Win McNamee/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — While gay rights activists are eviscerating Kirk Cameron for calling homosexuality “unnatural,” “detrimental,” and “ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization,” the former Growing Pains star has received “thousands of emails and comments” of support, Cameron’s representative told ABC News on Monday.
“Cameron is thankful for the thousands of emails and comments that he’s received from those who value the freedom to express one’s beliefs,” the actor’s rep said in an email statement.
Cameron opined on gay rights during a Friday appearance on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight to promote his upcoming documentary, Monumental. On marriage equality, the outspoken evangelical Christian said, “Marriage is almost as old as dirt, and it was defined in the garden between Adam and Eve. One man, one woman for life till death do you part. So I would never attempt to try to redefine marriage. And I don’t think anyone else should either.”
His Hollywood colleagues have taken to Twitter to counter him. On Sunday, Tracey Gold, who co-starred with Cameron on Growing Pains, wrote, “I am a strong supporter of the #LGBT Community, and I believe in equal rights for all. #NOH8 #LOVE”
Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson quipped, “The only unnatural thing about me being gay is that I had a crush on Kirk Cameron until about 24 hours ago.” Roseanne Barr wrote, “kirk or kurt or whatever cameron is an accomplice to murder with his hate speech.”
CNN’s Morgan told TMZ.com that he found Cameron’s views “antiquated” but said the actor was “brave” to share them.
A representative for Cameron declined ABC News’ repeated requests for comment.
Meanwhile, GLAAD has launched a petition to “Tell Kirk Cameron It’s Time to Finally Grow Up.” As of Monday afternoon, it had more than 2,300 signatures.
“Thousands, including many people of faith, have shared the campaign and spoken out against Cameron’s remarks,” GLAAD spokesman Herndon Graddick said in a statement Monday. “Kirk Cameron’s statements are not only out-of-touch with the beliefs of most Americans, they contribute to a climate of hostility and falsely suggest that communities of faith are not accepting of LGBT people.”
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