Christian actor Kirk Cameron was a guest on “Piers Morgan Tonight” over the weekend to discuss “Monumental,” his new project on the roots of America coming to theaters later this month, when the British host of the program suddenly turned subject and asked Cameron his views on homosexual marriage.
Cameron’s calm answer explaining his view that marriage “was defined by God a long time ago … one man, one woman for life” has drawn a firestorm of criticism from fellow celebrities, homosexual organizations and even rock musician Nikki Sixx, who blasted Cameron as “a–hole of the week” for his answer, and Roseanne Barr, who called Cameron “an accomplice to murder with his hate speech.”
Now Cameron has released a statement to WND about the controversy:
“In a recent interview about my film, “Monumental,” I was asked to share my views on homosexuality, gay marriage and abortion,” Cameron says. “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.
“The only way to properly answer these kind of questions is to begin the discussion with another question: Is life and sexuality sacred or are they not?” he continues. “If they are, then God has something to say about these things. If not, then everyone is entitled to their own opinion on the matter.
“I believe that freedom of speech and freedom of religion go hand-in-hand in America,” he continues. “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.
“In any society that is governed by the rule of law, some form of morality is always imposed. It’s inescapable,” Cameron asserts. “But it is also a complicated subject, and that is why I believe we need to learn how to debate these things with greater love and respect.
“I’ve been encouraged by the support of many friends (including gay friends, incidentally). Thank you!” Cameron says. “I look forward to those who will join me as I seek to show you our true ‘National Treasure,’ at the live, nationwide viewing of ‘Monumental’ on Tuesday, March 27.”
A trailer for “Monumental” can be seen below:
When Morgan asked Cameron his views, the actor told the host, “I believe that marriage was defined by God a long time ago. Marriage is almost as old as dirt. And it was defined in the garden between Adam and Eve – one man, one woman for life, till death do you part. So I would never attempt to redefine marriage and I don’t think anyone else should either. So do I support the idea of ‘gay’ marriage, no I don’t.”
Morgan pressed, “Do you think homosexuality is a sin?”
Cameron responded, “I think it’s unnatural, that it’s detrimental and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization.”
Video of the exchange can be seen below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W3Wix0rlgU
Cameron’s response was blasted by many homosexual activist groups, including the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.
“In this interview, Kirk Cameron sounds even more dated than his 1980s TV character,” said GLAAD spokesperson Herndon Graddick. “Kirk Cameron’s statements are not only out of touch with the beliefs of most Americans, they contribute to a climate of hostility and falsely suggest that communities of faith are not accepting of LGBT people.”
In a TMZ interview afterward, however, Morgan defended Cameron.
“He was honest to what he believed, and I don’t think he was expecting the kind of fury it created,” Morgan said. “He was pretty brave to say what he said.”
