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.)