HGTV has canceled “Flip It Forward” after would-be host David Benham’s views about gays, gay marriage, abortion and Islam landed him in hot water.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, Benham was the spokesman for “Operation Save America,” a group headed by his father, Rev. Philip “Flip” Benham, that has a “three-pronged mission to demonize abortion, homosexuality and Islam.”
The lobbying group Right Wing Watch alleges that David Benham once led a prayer rally to “stop homosexuality and its agenda that is attacking the nation,” supported a ban on gay marriage in North Carolina, and has said gays are among a group of “demonic ideologies” trying to take over schools.
The group also posted video that allegedly shows Benham leading a protest outside of an abortion clinic, and linked to claims by the ADL that he has expressed anti-Muslim views.
Benham and his twin brother Jason issued a statement denying that they “hate homosexuals or people of other faiths” and defending their views as part of their Christian beliefs.
“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,” the brothers said. “If our faith costs us a television show, then so be it.” Source: CNN.com.