Twin brothers David and Jason Benham on
Thursday issued a statement saying they are “saddened” by HGTV's
decision to cancel their upcoming reality show.
Flip It Forward, set to premiere
in October, featured the bothers as they helped families buy and sell
distressed properties for a profit.
Network executives acted after Right
Wing Watch published a report on the brothers' activism.
David Benham compared opposition to
marriage equality to efforts to defeat Nazi Germany and stated that
gay men need to find God. The brothers also staged a prayer rally in
Charlotte in part to protest the city's acceptance of marriage
equality.
(Related: HGTV
reverses course on show featuring anti-gay brothers David, Jason
Benham.)
In a statement, the brothers denied
they were anti-gay.
“The first and last thought on our
minds as we begin and end each day is; have we shined Christ's light
today? Our faith is the fundamental calling in our lives, and the
centerpiece of who we are. As Christians we are called to love our
fellow man. Anyone who suggests that we hate homosexuals or people
of other faiths is either misinformed or lying. Over the last
decade, we've sold thousands of homes with the guiding principle of
producing value and breathing life into each family that has crossed
our path, and we do not, nor will we ever discriminate against people
who do not share our views.”
“We were saddened to hear HGTV's
decision. With all of the grotesque things that can be seen and
heard on television today you would think there would be room for two
twin brothers who are faithful to our families, committed to biblical
principles, and dedicated professionals.”
“If our faith cost us a television
show, then so be it,” they
added.
(Dan Savage: David,
Jason Benham just learned the cost of homophobia.)