The Benham brothers, real estate moguls, are taking a stand following the announcement that their HGTV show "Flip it Forward" was canceled due to their Christian worldview.
"If our faith costs us a television show," the brothers said in a statement on Thursday, "then so be it."
"Flip it Forward" was originally planned for October, and starred David and Jason Benham. The show would feature the brothers helping low-income families buy homes they thought they could never afford.
However, on May 7th, HGTV announced in a tweet that they had "decided not to move forward with the Benham Brother's series."
This news came immediately following a story released by the RightWingWatch.org which investigated the Benham Brother's background, announcing them to be "anti-gay, anti-Choice extremists." Examples of the brother's "extremism" included David Benham protesting outside the Democratic National Convention as well as an abortion clinic.
The Benham brothers issued a statement on their Facebook page early Thursday saying they are "saddened" by HGTV's decision.
"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."
"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 statement continued.
Several Christian organizations have urged HGTV to bring back the show, including the Family Research Council, radio host Laura Ingraham, author David Limbaugh, and many more, the Huffington Post reports. Pat Robertson called the decision "outrageous" and warned that it was a sign that society is no longer "built around the Bible." He added, "Good grief, isn't there supposed to be some freedom? Aren't we supposed to have a First Amendment?"
The Faith Driven Consumer launched a petition called #FlipThisDecision demanding the show's reinstatement, garnering over 3, 000 signatures.
Despite the backlash, HGTV has yet to reverse the show's cancellation.
The brothers go on to say that they are disappointed by HGTV's decision to ax the show which would have spread a positive message to viewers.
"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."
