Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson Stands By Anti-Gay Remarks; Cracker Barrel Caves

Phil Robertson is refusing to backpedal on anti-gay comments he made that were published in GQ magazine last week. The Duck Dynasty star led a Bible study over the weekend at his church in Louisiana and told church-goers: "I will not give or back off from my path," according to Britain's Daily Mail.

A&E has suspended Robertson indefinitely from Duck Dynasty; however, the Robertson family has defended its patriarch, saying Phil was only quoting the Bible in remarks he made to GQ. Fans of the show have also rushed to Robertson's defense, even starting an online petition to have him return to the reality show.

Phil Robertson spews anti-gay comments in GQ interview

Robertson issued an apology for the remarks, but appeared to stand by them during his weekend lecture. "Sexual sins are numerous and many," he told attendees, as reported by the Daily Mail. "So what is your safest course of action? If you're a man, find yourself a woman, marry them and keep your sex right there. ... Common sense says we are not going to procreate the human race unless we have a man and a woman. From the beginning Jesus said, 'It is a man and a woman.' Adam was made and Eve was made for this reason. ... That's what marriage is all about." 

Duck Dynasty fans launch petition to bring Phil Robertson back

The Cracker Barrel restaurant chain initially responded to the controversy by pulling Duck Dynasty merchandise from its shelves, but reversed the decision over the weekend after facing backlash from customers. "You told us we made a mistake," the company wrote in a statement. "You flat out told us we were wrong. Today, we are putting all our Duck Dynasty products back in our stores. And, we apologize for offending you."  

At the Bible study on Sunday, Robertson said of the interview: "I didn't think much of it at all, but it seems a lot of other people did." He added: "I love all men and women. I am a lover of humanity, not a hater."

What's your take on the controversy?