Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
Support for LAist comes from
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.”
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.
()
Support for LAist comes from
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Wasteland Weekend is all about souped-up rust buckets, spikey costumes and an ‘ideal apocalypse.’ -
The Shadow the Scientists initiative at UC Santa Cruz strives to demystify astronomical research. -
Some submissions to the Pasadena Humane Society were made by extremely talented artists. The others … tried their best. -
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning.
Best of LAist