The American Home and Garden TV network has been accused of intolerance by campaigners, after HGTV decided to drop a reality show featuring Christian twin brothers who expressed their views on homosexuality, divorce and abortion.
David and Jason Benham voiced their disappointment, after HGTV announced they would not be moving forward with the series “Flip it Forward”, when lobby group Right Wing Watch reported on statements the twin brothers had made on homosexuality and ‘same-sex marriage’.
HGTV had previously said the series would “follow the Benhams as they helped deserving families transform old buildings into their dream homes -- with a dose of sibling rivalry from the brothers along the way.”
Outrage
Since the announcement to drop the series, many Christian viewers of HGTV have been voicing their outrage over the decision, threatening to boycott the channel.
Faith Driven Consumer has also launched a campaign on behalf of the Benham brothers saying:
"Following the sudden cancellation of the upcoming HGTV series "Flip It Forward' simply because the stars of the show, brothers David and Jason Benham, hold a biblical worldview on the issues of life and marriage, Faith Driven Consumer is announcing a brand new grassroots campaign called #FlipThisDecision to return the show to the network's fall lineup."
Chris Stone, founder of the Faith Driver Consumer added: "This is pure intolerance, discrimination, and bullying toward those who hold to widely held and legitimate views. HGTV's rash actions hold no place in America's rainbow of diversity.
"Whether people agree or disagree with the Benhams’ faith-driven perspective is beside the point; the Benhams have a right to have those views and to be treated equally with those who hold to other viewpoints. This is the very definition of tolerance.”
Saddened
After the twins received news the show would be axed Jason said: "We were saddened to hear HGTV's decision. With all of the grotesque things that can be seen and heard on television today you would think there would be room for two twin brothers who are faithful to our families, committed to biblical principles, and dedicated professionals. If our faith costs us a television show then so be it."
David commented: "The first and last thought on our minds as we begin and end each day is; have we shined Christ's light today? Our faith is the fundamental calling in our lives, and the centrepiece of who we are. As Christians we are called to love our fellow man. Anyone who suggests that we hate homosexuals or people of other faiths is either misinformed or lying," said the brothers.
"Over the last decade, we've sold thousands of homes with the guiding principle of producing value and breathing life into each family that has crossed our path, and we do not, nor will we ever discriminate against people who do not share our views."
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