Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Candid Cameron: Former "Growing Pains" Star Under Fire For Speaking Out Against Homosexuality
Actor Kirk Cameron, known once for his role as the popular troublemaker Mike Seaver on "Growing Pains" and now more for his devout Christianity, says he's had to endure "hate speech" since expressing his moral opposition to homosexuality during a recent TV interview.
Cameron told CNN's Piers Morgan last week that he believes homosexuality is “unnatural,” “detrimental,” and “ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization."
In response, former co-stars Alan Thicke and Tracey Gold went on Twitter to share messages in support of acceptance of same-sex relationships.
The 41-year-old actor and evangelist also has strong feelings against same-sex marriage. While the "Growing Pains" theme might have been about getting through so long as couples had each other, for Cameron, that means only couples comprised of a man and woman: "I would never attempt to try to redefine marriage. And I don't think anyone else should either," he told Morgan on the subject of legalized same-sex marriage.
Cameron's message after the fact is a bit mixed, though, especially as he deals with the public reaction, both for and against, his statements on CNN. In an email to ABC News, Cameron said: “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 adds:
“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.”
Sponsored message
Oh, and he made room for the ol' "I've got gay friends" bit, too: “I believe we need to learn how to debate these things with greater love and respect,” and added, “I’ve been encouraged by the support of many friends (including gay friends, incidentally).”
But the organization Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) aren't eager to gladly take Cameron's remarks as being fueled by good Christian love. They released a statement in response to Cameron: “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.”
Several people, however, took to social media spaces like Twitter to speak up in support of Cameron.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
