Americans have the First Amendment right of free speech, which allows them to express their feelings, attitudes, and opinions without penalty. In December, 2013 Phil Robertson, from the hit A&E reality show Duck Dynasty, expressed his opinions on gay rights and gay marriage in an interview with GQ magazine. Robertson was suspended for his very conservative attitude from A&E Networks which stated that “his personal views in no way reflect those of A&E Networks, which have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community.”

Robertson, responding to the turmoil, said that his remarks reflected his religious beliefs. The interview in GQ caused negative repercussions from the media and protests from human rights groups such as Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) population, who criticized Robertson severely for his remarks.

Robertson should not have been suspended by A&E from Duck Dynasty because he, as an American, has the right to freedom of speech and freedom of religion. If he is asked his opinion on homosexuality, then he, as much as anyone else, should be able to speak his mind. However, because he is a very well-known public figure, he should understand that he opens himself, his family, and his show to criticism when he does so. Every action has a reaction, especially when a famous person is involved. He has the right of free speech, but everyone else in the country does, too.