Conservatives Outraged at 'Duck Dynasty' Star's Backlash

Sarah Palin isn't the only ultra-conservative up in arms over the backlash and suspension of Phil Robertson, star of A&E's hit reality show "Duck Dynasty," as a number of other right-wingers have taken to social media to alert the public of their outrage.

Robertson made headlines on Wednesday after his GQ interview went viral.

"It seems like, to me, a vagina -- as a man -- would be more desirable than a man's anus," the reality star told GQ. "That's just me. I'm just thinking: There's more there! She's got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I'm saying? But hey, sin: It's not logical, my man. It's just not logical."

"Everything is blurred on what's right and what's wrong. Sin becomes fine," he went on to say. "Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men. Don't be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers -- they won't inherit the kingdom of God. Don't deceive yourself. It's not right."

After GLAAD condemned the reality star's remarks, conservatives rushed to Robertson's side, especially after A&E announced he is suspended from "Duck Dynasty." Sarah Palin, who is a big fan of the program, took to Facebook Wednesday to show her support for Robertson.

"Free speech is an endangered species," Palin, who stared in her own short-lived reality show not too long ago, wrote on her Facebook on Dec. 18. "Those 'intolerants' hatin' and taking on the 'Duck Dynasty' patriarch for voicing his personal opinion are taking on all of us."

But she isn't the only right-winger to defend him. The National Organization for Marriage, a conservative group bent on outlawing marriage equality, launched a 'Duck Dynasty' petition, demanding that Robertson return to the show.

"Do we want to live in a country where we cannot express something we believe so sincerely and feel so strongly without fear of reprisals, bullying, and intimidation?" NOM president Brian Brown wrote in the organization's blog. "Do we want to let groups like HRC that spew hateful rhetoric and incite bigotry towards Christians dictate what is and is not acceptable to say in the public square in America? What kind of America will that mean for our children?

"And, more immediately, what would that mean for the future of marriage in America?" he continued. "This is a major moment in the cultural battle over the truth of marriage, and whether America will tolerate an ongoing debate about same-sex unions. If the HRC and GLAAD are able to silence Phil Robertson, nobody's safe from their abject bullying."

Bryan Fischer, an anti-gay pundit of the American Family Association and radio host , also defended Robertson on Twitter.

"Duck Dynasty star agrees with TIME's Man of the Year that homosexuality destroys God's design," he wrote. "Phil Robertson's comments will only boost ratings and sales. Americans have been waiting for someone to tell it like it is."

He added: "Big Gay will launch the mother of all battles against Phil Robertson, 'Duck Dynasty,' A&E and WalMart. Stand strong, everybody!" he tweeted. "The spirit behind the homosexual movement is vicious. Watch what they do to Phil Robertson, you'll see what real hate looks like."

Fox reporter Todd Starnes also tweeted in defense of Robertson, Media Matters reports.

"It was only a matter of time before intolerant, anti-Christian haters targeted 'Duck Dynasty,'" he wrote. "Mainstream Media STUNNED to find out that 'Duck Dynasty' staff believes in the teachings of the Bible. Intolerant, Anti-Straight groups are targeting 'Duck Dynasty,'" Starnes added.

Media Matters wrote about that Starnes is "one of Fox News' most rabid purveyors of homophobia. He has urged fans to donate to anti-gay hate groups, endorsed anti-LGBT business discrimination, promoted the conspiracy theory that President Obama is secretly gay, and blamed 'heterophobic bigots' for the withdrawal of an anti-gay pastor from Obama's inaugural ceremony. While Starnes is keen to malign supporters of LGBT equality as 'intolerant' 'bigots,' his history of hateful commentary exposes his virulent bigotry."

It seems that all the support for Robertson has somewhat paid off. A new Facebook page called "Stand With Phil Robertson" was launched on Wednesday and as of this writing has nearly 600,000 likes.

"A&E has suspended Phil Robertson. Join the movement to make our voices hear... WE STAND WITH PHIL! Call A&E @ 212-210-1400," the Facebook page's "About" section reads.

"Thank you all for the support of this page. Just so you know, we're running on 2 and a half hours of sleep. We've been up all night building and messaging for this," a recent post reads. "We're trying our best to respond to as many messages as possible. We're currently trying to get a hold of the Robertsons for an interview or something of that sort. We're doing the best we can."

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who is a Republican, issued a brief statement on Robertson's firing and the show's hiatus. Though he did not comment on the reality star's comments, he said everyone is allowed to express his views, adding, "It is a messed-up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh, and Phil Robertson gets suspended."

"Duck Dynasty" is produced around the Robertson family's home in Ouachita Parish, Louisiana.