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Franklin Graham: Homosexuality is ‘A Sin,’ and ‘I Want to Warn People’ (+video)

Photo Credit: AP

Photo Credit: AP

In a Meet the Press interview Sunday, Franklin Graham, the son of famed preacher Billy Graham, refused to back down from his Biblical stance against homosexuality. “It’s sin,” he said, and added that he wanted to warn people about it because they will have to stand before God who will judge.

The younger Graham was speaking in the NBC interview about his father’s legacy, as the elder Graham, 95, is ‘very weak’ and eating little. He described how he helped to arrange a final sermon for his father that aired in November. He felt it was God’s will that he help his father “finish well.”

In the context of about Pope Francis’ “who am I to judge” comment, Franklin Graham was asked if he would shift his position on “gays.”

“God would have to shift, and God doesn’t,” Graham replied. “God’s word is the same yesterday and today and a million years from now, that it’s sin.”

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Duck Patriarch: Man-Man Sex ‘Not Logical’; CDC Data Concurs: ‘Highest Risk Sexual Behavior’

Photo Credit: A&E/Karolina Wojasik 2013

Photo Credit: A&E/Karolina Wojasik 2013

By Michael W. Chapman.

Although some liberal observers criticized Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson’s remarks about homosexual behavior as “disgusting” and “vile and extreme stereotypes,” the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one of the federal government’s leading health voices, uses nearly identical and even more graphic language in describing some of the sexual practices of male homosexuals.

“Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) represent approximately 2% of the United States population, yet they are the population most severely affected by HIV,” says the CDC. “Most HIV infections in men are transmitted through sexual contact, especially anal sex.”

In an interview with GQ magazine, which sparked a national controversy and his indefinite suspension from the hugely popular A&E reality-TV show, “Duck Dynasty,” head-of-household Phil Robertson, a self-described Bible-thumping Christian said, “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.”

Robertson was also asked in the interview, “What in your mind, is sinful?” and he said, “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.” Robertson then paraphrased Corinthians (I,6:9-10), “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

Shortly after those comments were leaked from the interview, the pro-homosexual activist group GLAAD issued a statement on Dec. 18. GLAAD said that GQ’s profile of Robertson “included some of the vilest and most extreme statements uttered against LGBT people in a mainstream publication. His quote was littered with outdated stereotypes and blatant misinformation.”

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Photo Credit: AP Photo/A&E, Zach Dilgard

Photo Credit: AP Photo/A&E, Zach Dilgard

Sponsor sends a message with statement on Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty’ Controversy

By Jason Howerton.

Realtree, a hunting and outdoors company, released a statement Monday reaffirming its partnership with the Duck Commander team, including Phil Robertson. The company also made it clear that they support “everyone’s right to their opinion” and made no attempt to apologize or clarify for Robertson.

“Realtree’s partnership with Phil Robertson and the Duck Commander team has remained strong for nearly a decade. Our plan is to continue that partnership,” the statement reads. “As a company, our values align well with the Robertson’s. Realtree’s “Family, Friends and the Outdoors” slogan is one we take to heart. We support everyone’s right to their opinion, and we certainly support Phil’s right to his.”

The statement comes as other companies contemplate their relationship with the “Duck Dynasty” crew.

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‘Duck Dynasty’ Star’s Firing Proves You Will be Made to Care

By Steve Deace.

A nation founded by pilgrims seeking out religious freedom, and the chance to worship the God of the Bible without interference from big government or persecution from the culture, has now come full circle.

In August, Duck Dynasty returned for another season with a record 12 million viewers, which was the largest audience for an original show in the history of cable television.

Four months later one of its stars, Phil Robertson, was essentially fired today by A&E Network which carries the show because he’s a Christian that believes the Bible. And the Bible teaches homosexuality is a sin and goes against God’s plan for His creation.

You will be made to care.

When a network fires arguably its biggest star for believing the Bible, and expressing those views in a way that was not inflammatory or incendiary, it’s essentially saying it would rather bow at the altar of political correctness than make a profit. Duck Dynasty has become A&E’s biggest cash cow. If Duck Dynasty and all the wealth, jobs, and prosperity its success provides cannot trump the homosexual agenda, then nothing can. Pop culture is essentially choosing the promotion of sexual deviancy even over its own greed. The truth is many companies in corporate America have been doing the same for years now, and so does most of the media as well. The tolerance mob and its gaystapo are out to silence all opposition to their brave new world of deviancy.

You will be made to care.

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Duck Dynasty: Can’t Imagine Show Going on Without Phil

Photo Credit: Fox News

Photo Credit: Fox News

By Todd Starnes.

Duck season may soon be over for A&E.

The Robertson family released a statement late Thursday that raises doubts about the future of one of the most popular shows on cable television.

“We have had a successful working relationship with A&E but, as a family, we cannot imagine the show going forward without our patriarch at the helm,” the Robertson family said in a prepared statement. “We are in discussions with A&E to see what that means for the future of Duck Dynasty.”

The family said it has “spent much time in prayer” since learning A&E had suspended Phil Robertson, the patriarch of the Louisiana family, over comments he made about homosexuality.

Robertson sparked a national debate on religion and tolerance in an interview with GQ magazine. The writer asked him what he considered to be sinful behavior.

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Photo Credit: LifeNews

Photo Credit: LifeNews

Like Phil Robertson, It’s Time for Christians to Speak Up Against Sin

By Bryan Kemper.

Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty was fired because of the cowardice of Christians to speak the truth about sin.

The irony of this news is that last night I sat down and watched my first episodes of Duck Dynasty to see what all the buzz was about and why my kids wanted Duck Dynasty stuff for Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised to see the prayer led by Phil Robertson at the end of each episode, and how he talked about his wife of 50 years.

This morning on Facebook I saw a post from my friend Troy Newman of Operation Rescue about Phil Robertson getting fired. He was fired from network for speaking about homosexuality. Phil simply stated his views about homosexuality and sin; he quoted the Holy Scriptures to support his Christian belief.

Why was he fired for practicing free speech? Why was he fired for stating his own opinion on a subject? Why was he fired when people like Bill Maher can rant about Christians and be celebrated for it?

Why was he fired? He was fired because Christians have retreated into a state of “I don’t want to offend anyone” attitude about sin. Christians would rather send a fluffy love message than proclaim that abortion is murder or that homosexuality is a sin. We have become pansies.

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Phil Robertson of ‘Duck Dynasty’ Booted After Calling Homosexuality Illogical

Photo Credit: GQ/WND

Photo Credit: GQ/WND

Hold on to your feathers.

“Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson has been suspended from his own television show after calling homosexuality illogical, while proffering his male viewpoint preferring female anatomy to that of other men.

“It seems like, to me, a vagina – as a man – would be more desirable than a man’s anus, ” says Phil Robertson. “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.”

The Arts & Entertainment Network, better known as A&E, gave Robertson the boot Wednesday after learning of his remarks.

“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,” A&E said in a statement. “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.”

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GOP’s ‘Young Guns’ Program Backs Pro-Abortion, Pro-Gay Marriage Candidates for Congress

Photo Credit: AP

Photo Credit: AP

Although the Republican Party Platform opposes abortion and same-sex marriage, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is backing and promoting through its “Young Guns” program two congressional candidates who are homosexual, and who support same-sex marriage and abortion.

In addition, one of the “Young Guns” candidates, Carl DeMaio, has received $15,000 from the political arm of House GOP leaders Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), while the other candidate, Richard Tisei, “has won the support of the entire House Republican leadership, including a $5,000 check from the PAC run by the vice-presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.),” reported the Washington Post.

Richard Tisei, who is “married” to his male partner Bernie Starr, in Edgartown, Mass., is running for a congressional seat in the 6th District in the Bay State. Carl DeMaio is running for a congressional seat out of San Diego, Calif.

DeMaio, who is openly gay, supports abortion and same-sex marriage. In a press release, he said, “I see myself as a ‘new generation Republican’ who wants to challenge the party to focus on pocket-book, economic and quality of life issues in a more positive and inclusive way, rather than issues that are, frankly, none of the government’s business in the first place.”

Tisei supports same-sex marriage and is pro-abortion, having received a 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts. The NRCC is spending money on television ads attacking Tisei’s opponent, Rep. John Tierney (D-Mass.), as is YG Action, a political action committee founded by former aides to House Minority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), reported the Washington Post.

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Senate Approved Legislation Banning Workplace Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Photo Credit: AP/J. Scott ApplewhiteReflecting Americans’ increasing acceptance of gays, the Senate on Thursday approved legislation that would bar workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Gay rights advocates hailed the bipartisan, 64-32 vote as a historic step although it could prove short-lived. A foe of the bill, Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has signaled that the Republican-led House is unlikely to even vote. Senate proponents were looking for a way around that obstacle.

Seventeen years after a similar anti-discrimination measure failed by one vote, 54 members of the Senate Democratic majority and 10 Republicans voted for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. It is the first major gay rights bill since Congress repealed the ban on gays serving openly in the military three years ago.

“All Americans deserve a fair opportunity to pursue the American dream,” said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a chief sponsor of the bill.

Proponents cast the effort as Congress following the lead of business and localities as some 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies and 22 states have outlawed employment discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

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Alaska’s Catholic Senators have Backed Bill Aimed to Enshrine LGBTQ Rights; Believed to Violate Religious Freedoms

Photo Credit: catholicanchor.orgA bill that would make it a federal crime to “discriminate” against homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgender people — including forbidding men to use the women’s restroom or locker room – passed a key vote in the Senate Nov. 4.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) passed a test vote by 61-30, a critical margin that will allow the controversial bill to overcome any potential filibuster. Senate rules require 60 votes to cut off debate. The vote means the bill will almost certainly pass the full Senate without delay.

Photo Credit: catholicanchor.orgAlaska Sen. Mark Begich voted for the measure, while fellow Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski was absent for the test vote. However, Murkowski, who supports same-sex marriage, helped Democrats vote the bill out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee earlier this year.

Opponents, however, say the bill (S. 815) would deny traditional religious business owners the right to practice their religion. Its religious exemption is excessively narrow, according to a letter from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

In an Oct. 31 letter to Congress, three leading U.S. bishop explained that they do not support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act because it “does not justly advance the dignity of all workers and authentic non-discrimination.”

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Gay, Transgender Rights Bill Clears First Senate Hurdle

Photo Credit: APBy Associated Press.

The Senate pushed a major anti-bias gay rights bill past a first, big hurdle Monday, a clear sign of Americans’ greater acceptance of homosexuality nearly two decades after the law prohibiting federal recognition of same-sex marriage.

The vote of 61-30 essentially ensured that the Senate has the votes to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act that would prohibit workplace discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

Final passage, possibly by week’s end, would cap a 17-year quest to secure Senate support for a similar discrimination measure that failed by one vote in 1996, the same year Congress passed and President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act.

Reflecting the nation’s shifting views toward gay rights and the fast-changing political dynamic, seven Senate Republicans joined with 54 Democrats to vote to move ahead on the legislation.

“Rights are sometimes intangible but, boy if you’ve ever been discriminated against, seeking employment or seeking an advancement, it’s bitter,” Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., the only openly gay member of the Senate, said after the vote. “And it’s been a long, long fight, but I think its day has come. And that’s just very exciting to witness.”

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Photo Credit: Weekly StandardENDA Would Grant Transgender Rights to Elementary School Teachers

By John McCormack.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s leading gay rights group, eighty-eight percent of Fortune 500 companies have formal employment policies prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. And it’s likely that almost all other businesses, like Senator Rick Santorum more than a decade ago, have a de facto policy prohibiting such discrimination. It’s hard to imagine that in the year 2013 that any business in the country could fire someone simply because he is gay without facing a major backlash and boycotts.

So does the country now need a new federal law prohibiting such discrimination by private businesses? When Democrats controlled congressional supermajorities from 2009 to 2011, neither Nancy Pelosi nor Harry Reid held a vote on Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). But the Senate is taking up the bill this week, and the vote is being framed in the New York Times as a “test” for Republicans to show that they are not “out of touch with much of the country on social issues.”

A vote for ENDA, however, is not without risk for its supporters. In addition to its gay rights provisions, ENDA creates transgender employment rights. Only 17 states passed laws like that. Furthermore, ENDA contains no exceptions for schools at any age level (though the law does contain a modest religious liberty provision).

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Christie: If My Child Was Gay, I’d Advise Against Marriage (+video)

Photo Credit: YouTube Gov. Chris Christie says if any of his four children came out as gay, he would hug them, tell them that he loved them — and then tell them he didn’t believe they should be allowed to marry their partner.

The Republican governor of New Jersey was speaking in the second and final gubernatorial debate against his Democratic challenger Barbara Buono on Tuesday night.

When asked what would happen if one of his two sons and two daughters announced they were gay, he replied, “I’d grab them and hug them and tell them I love them.” He said he would then tell them: “Dad believes marriage is between one man and one woman.”

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Los Angeles School District Wants Teachers to Wear Pro-Gay Badges

Photo Credit: John Deasy/CBS screenshotLos Angeles public schools are encouraging teachers and staff to wear badges that identify them as “LGBT allies” and supporters of the pro-gay movement.

Superintendent John Deasy kicked off the effort Thursday, which he said was necessary to prevent gay kids from being bullied.

“We want all our youth and staff to know that it is safe to be you in LAUSD,” said Deasy in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.

The move is part of the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center’s “Out for Safe Schools” initiative….

Because nothing deters bullies like having their victims’ specialness publicly praised by authority figures, the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center applauded the school district for its “groundbreaking” work in applauding gay students.

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