Kirk Cameron Responds to Criticism, Says Gay Friends Support Him

Kirk Cameron has responded to critics of his antigay remarks, saying he spoke honestly and has been encouraged by the support he's received from friends, including gay people.

Last week Cameron told talk show host Piers Morgan that he thinks homosexuality is "unnatural. I think that it's detrimental and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization." The remarks created an immediate uproar among equality advocates, and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation quickly took action, creating a page for people to express their disapproval.

The sometime actor sent an exclusive statement to ABCNews.com today, to reply to his critics. “I spoke as honestly as I could, but some people believe my responses were not loving toward those in the gay community," Cameron says. "That is not true. I can assuredly say that it’s my life’s mission to love all people. 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.”

Cameron adds, “I believe we need to learn how to debate these things with greater love and respect. I’ve been encouraged by the support of many friends (including gay friends, incidentally).”

LGBT advocate Randy Roberts Potts, who is grandson of the late televangelist, Oral Roberts, has released a statement to Cameron’s response, saying, “Increasingly, Christians understand that loving their gay and lesbian family and friends means supporting them and advocating for protections for their families. Kirk may feel that he is defending the ‘underpinning of Western civilization’ through his words, but in reality they are harming those whom he claims to love. I hope that he will continue to study and pray on how he can demonstrate true Christian love toward gay and lesbian people.”

Piers Morgan was interviewed by website TMZ and asked if he considers Cameron's opinions outdated."I think he was pretty brave to say what he said," Morgan replied. "Many would argue [it's] an antiquated view."

Gold, who played Cameron's sister in the hit sitcom Growing Pains, immediately distanced herself from her former costar's derogatory comments, tweeting, "I am a strong supporter of the #LGBT Community, and I believe in equal rights for all. #NOH8 #LOVE"

Actor Baldwin, who describes himself as a "Jesus freak" in his Twitter profile, appears to be the only celebrity who is publicly defending Cameron. Baldwin tweeted, "GREAT JOB Kirk !!! Let's pray one day Piers Morgan finds true Salvation, God Bless!"

GCB star Kristin Chenoweth, a 2011 GLAAD Media Award winner, gave an interview to ABC in which she discussed being a Christian who supports LGBT equality. "The Bible tells us that we're not supposed to judge, and people shouldn't judge before seeing the show," Chenoweth says. "Even as a young child, I thought, 'Why is being gay bad?’ I didn't understand it. So I asked my grandma, who is the best Christian I ever knew. I'd say, 'What about my friend Denny, he's gay, is he going to hell?' She told me, 'I read the Bible like I eat fish. I take the meat that serves me well, but I don't choke on the bone.'"

Statements released by other celebrities in response to Cameron's remarks:

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, actor
"The only unnatural thing about me being gay is that I had a crush on Kirk Cameron until about 24 hours ago."

Alan Thicke, actor
"I'm getting him some new books. The Old Testament simply can't be expected to explain everything."

Sarah Colonna, comedian
"Wish I could go to the 80s & un-buy that Kirk Cameron poster. Loving God but spreading hate has never made sense to me."

Jordan Knight, musician
"Ted Haggard vehemently opposed gays as well. Wonder why? He couldn’t accept himself ... in my opinion. #justsayin"

Debra Messing
"I want to thank Piers Morgan for his response to what he wud say to HIS child if (s)he came out: "Great, as long as you’re happy."

Nick Stadler, comedian
"Amazing how many idiots feel empowered by Kirk Cameron. It'll be even better after he's caught sucking [expletive] in a public toilet."

Zach Braff, actor
"If Kirk Cameron hates gay people, why was he best friends with Boner?"

Tony Tripoli, comedian
"I now blame Kirk Cameron for poor Tracy Gold's eating issues. He's made ME want to puke all day, too."

Matt Doyle, actor
"Sad shame about Kirk Cameron. Takes some serious fear and insecurity to make hateful comments about things that have nothing to do with you."

Billy Eichner, comedian
"So great to hear what Kirk Cameron thinks about gay people. Anybody know where Tina Yothers stands on the death penalty?"

Josh Charles, actor
"I know Growing Pains was only a TV show, but I have to think both Alan Thicke & Joanna Kerns must feel they failed as parents tonight."

Christopher Rice, novelist
"Kirk Cameron says marriage was defined by God in the Garden of Eden. No response from Cameron on why the world isn't full of talking snakes."

Roseanne Barr, actress-comedian
"Kirk or Kurt or whatever Cameron is an accomplice to murder with his hate speech. so is Rick Warren. Their peers r killing gays in Uganda."

Craig Ferguson, talk show host
"Rush makes me ashamed to be a middleaged white man and Kirk Cameron makes me ashamed to be a failed actor. We don't all think like that NoH8."