On the heels of a widely publicized controversy that led to the cancellation of one reality show, TLC is getting heat over another show. This time around, TLC is under pressure to cancel “19 Kids and Counting” after a controversy flared up over what is being called anti-gay speech.
The controversy comes after TLC canceled “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” last month amid a scandal centered on a convicted child molester.
A petition seeking the cancellation of the long-running “19 Kids and Counting” has gained more than 100,000 signatures, The Hollywood Reporter’s Live Feed reports.
The Change.org petition was reportedly sparked by a robocall from Michelle Duggar, the matriarch of the family featured on the program, who urged Arkansas residents to oppose an anti-discrimination ordinance. According to the call’s claim, the ordinance would have allowed men “to use women’s and girls restrooms, locker rooms, showers, sleeping areas and other areas that are designated for females only.”
The ordinance, geared to prohibiting public facilities and businesses from discriminating against people based on sexual orientation or gender, eventually passed, the piece notes.
“The Duggars have thrown massive amounts of money to repeal this law so business owners and land lords can evict and fire people solely over gender idenity and sexual orientation! They need to be taken off the air!“ the petition claims.
On the robocall, Duggar said, “Hello, this is Michelle Duggar. I’m calling to inform you of some shocking news that would affect the safety of Northwest Arkansas women and children.”
She added, “I don’t believe the citizens of Fayetteville would want males with past child predator convictions that claim they are female to have a legal right to enter private areas that are reserved for women and girls. ”
According to the petition, her “words reek of ignorance and fear mongering. Just because someone is transgendered doesn’t mean they are a child predator or a rapist.”
As of Friday morning, the petition had gained more than 122,000 supporters.
TLC didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, according to THR.
The article accurately quotes Duggar; NOWHERE does she say transgendered people are bad. Reread her statement: she says it would be legal for men with past child predator CONVICTIONS to claim they are transgendered and legally use women’s facilities.
No hate, just a completely accurate observation.
If she said something TRULY hateful, let’s see it.
At present this reads more like the usual “They don’t agree with our agenda so we must DESTROY them” plan.
If you don’t like the show, don’t watch
If the majority agree wit your stance, it will get cancelled.
If not, then throwing a tantrum will not.
That’s how life works.