Kirk Cameron on Tuesday responded to
the Hollywood backlash against anti-gay comments he made during an
appearance Friday on CNN's Piers Morgan Tonight.
The 41-year-old Cameron
told host Piers Morgan that being gay is “detrimental, and
ultimately destructive” and that he would not be supportive if one
of his six sons told him he was gay.
“I spoke as honestly as I could, but
some people believe my responses were not loving toward those in the
gay community. That is not true. I can assuredly say that it's my
life's mission to love all people,” Cameron said in a statement
given to ABC
News.
“I should be able to express moral
views on social issues, especially those that have been the
underpinning of Western civilization for 2,000 years – without
being slandered, accused of hate speech, and told from those who
preach 'tolerance' that I need to either bend my beliefs to their
moral standards or be silent when I'm in the public square.”
“I believe we need to learn how to
debate these things with greater love and respect.”
He added that he's been “encouraged
by the support of many friend (including gay friends, accidentally).”
(Related: George
Takei, Stephen Baldwin wrangle over Kirk Cameron's anti-gay remarks.)
Herndon Graddick of the Gay &
Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) argued that Cameron was
playing the victim to promote his upcoming documentary film on
America's moral downfall, Monumental: In Search of America's
National Treasure.
“Saying that gay people are
'detrimental to civilization' might be 'loving' in Kirk Cameron's
mind, but it's gay youth and victims of bullying who truly suffer
from adults like Cameron who espouse these ideas,” Graddick said.
“Cameron used his platform to attack
gay Americans and is now attempting to play victim in an effort to
sell his upcoming movie. That Cameron would risk the health and
safety of young people in order to do so speaks for itself.”
“So many Americans, popular
celebrities and Christian leaders have stood up and said his views
are out of touch. The fundamental dignity of gay people should no
longer be a debate in this country.”
(Related: Michele
Bachmann won't comment on Kirk Cameron's anti-gay remarks.)