“It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”Later in the GQ article, Robertson quoted anti-gay Bible passages and compared gay relationships to bestiality and said that he believes that same-sex relationships are morally wrong.
Robertson later issued an apology through A&E (who broadcasts his reality TV show). Basically, he confirmed that he believes that same-sex relationships are sinful, but he loves gay people like he loves all people.
Not everyone came out against Robertson's statements. Fox New reporter Todd Starnes issued a series of supportive tweets about "intolerant, Anti-Straight groups" and the American Family Association's Bryan Fischer immediately began defending Robertson, Duck Dynasty, A&E, and Wal-Mart.
Now I learned to night that Phil Robertson has been indefinitely suspended from Duck Dynasty:
We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series ‘Duck Dynasty,’” the company said. “His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely.What a speedy progression of events! I just learned of this whole situation during my lunch hour. I finish my work day, exercise, grocery shop, and feed the little ones and then find out roughly five hours later that he's been canned!
Personally, I think it's a lot made out of nothing. We've all heard worse statements from people who've never gotten in trouble. I mean, the Duggars alone campaign politically against LGBT people and families all the time and the eldest son is a leader of the Family Research Council! Granted, we're talking about different cable networks, but even gay-friendly Bravo features Real Housewives who love their gays -- but only when they do their hair and (literally) wear their high heels.
I could care less about Robertson's thoughts on gay sex vs. het sex. It doesn't bother me. My guess is that viewers of the show weren't surprised by his comments either. Personally, I wish he hadn't been suspended indefinitely. Now the anti-gays have an unwitting martyr and we LGBTs look like creeps because Phil Robertson thinks that vaginas are desirable.
Hopefully, this situation will eventually turn itself around after folks have had a chance to seriously reflect.