Phil Robertson On STDs: God’s Penalty For ‘Immoral Conduct’
Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson has given his opinion on a variety of subjects from politics to religion, but perhaps his most controversial opinions are on sexual morality. His beliefs on homosexuality and promiscuity are a consistent subject for debate, and his latest comments are no less controversial.
In a radio interview with Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, Mr. Robertson began discussing “immoral conduct” such as homosexual relations and just plain sleeping around. Phil quickly launched into his Bible-based theories, including how sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) seem to be God’s penalty for such behavior.
“Do you think that it’s a coincidence that all of these debilitating diseases follow that kind of conduct… I’m thinking, ‘Well, let’s see now, a clean, disease-free guy and a disease-free woman they marry and they keep their sex between the two of them, they’re not gonna get chlamydia and gonorrhea and syphilis and AIDS.’ It’s safe. Now, to me, either it’s the wildest coincidence ever that horrible diseases follow immoral conduct or it’s God saying there’s a penalty for that kind of conduct. I’m leaning towards there’s a penalty toward it.”
Naturally Phil Robertson’s comments have reignited outrage.
Robertson grabbed the nation’s attention last year when told GQ magazine that homosexuality was a sin. The interview inflamed the LGBT community; GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz later released a statement about Robertson’s comments.
“Phil and his family claim to be Christian, but Phil’s lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe. He clearly knows nothing about gay people or the majority of Louisianans –- and Americans — who support legal recognition for loving and committed gay and lesbian couples.”
The controversy ultimately led to Phil Robertson being suspended from his hit TV show Duck Dynasty on A&E. A strong backlash followed, with one pro-Robertson Facebook page garnering 1.5 million likes. A&E gave in to public pressure and lifted the suspension after just nine days.
Since then, Phil Robertson and his family have continued to speak there mind, and remain highly polarizing figures in American culture. Nevertheless, Robertson has made some efforts to rehabilitate his relationship with alienated Americans, saying he doesn’t “hate” anyone. On Good Morning America Robertson said this about claims he’s homophobic.
“I’m as much of a homophobe as Jesus was. People who are participating in homosexual behavior, they need to know that I love them.”
Phil Robertson has been hitting media outlets to promote his new book, unPHILtered: The Way I See It.
[Image Credit: AP / A&E]
