Brothers David and Jason Benham have responded to the recent cancellation of their HGTV home improvement show, after anti-gay remarks they'd made went public.
Last week, HGTV pulled the plug on upcoming real estate show, "Flip it Forward," after the twin brothers were caught in the middle of an anti-gay controversy. David and Jason had reportedly preached against homosexuality and promoted their conservative Christian faith in the past, leading lobbying group Right Wing Watch to label David as an "anti-gay, anti-choice extremist."
"HGTV has decided not to move forward with the Benham Brothers' series," the network wrote on its Facebook page last Wednesday.
According to ABC News, the Benham brothers said they were "saddened" by HGTV's decision, but believed that if their Christian faith cost them their show, "then so be it." During an interview with CNN the brothers stated that HGTV was bullied into cancelling production for their show.
"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 centerpiece 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," the Benham brothers said in a statement, according to Deadline.com. "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 added, "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."
"Flip it Forward" was set to premiere in October. The show would follow the Benham brothers as they worked to help families transform fixer-uppers into dream homes without spending a fortune.
David reportedly led a prayer rally outside of the 2012 Democratic National Convention, claiming "homosexuality and its agenda is attacking the nation." Several reports claimed that the brothers have followed in the footsteps of their father, Flip Benham, an evangelical Christian minister and head of the anti-abortion clinic group, Operation Save America.
