Kirk Cameron Responds to LGBT Backlash

In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, child star Kirk Cameron went on the record to express his disapproval of gay marriage and its damaging effects on civilization as a whole. During the interview, he stated that homosexuality is "unnatural. I think that it's detrimental and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization."

The remarks undoubtedly offended several members of the LGBT community and created a whirlwind of negative response. But now, according to The Advocate, Cameron has responded to the backlash in an exclusive statement to ABCNews.com:

"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...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)."

Although everyone surely has the right to express their opinion freely, LGBT advocate Randy Roberts Potts, grandson of late televangelist Oral Roberts, responded to Cameron's remarks and explained why they signify more than just his personal beliefs on morality.

Potts writes, "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."

We don't know what's more unbelievable--that Cameron can soundly file hate speech under his "mission to love all people," or that he has actual gay friends who support his stance.

Photo (of Cameron LURKING in the shadows): Getty Images