 Senator to introduce legislation in support of Duck Dynasty star 
 
 
 
 Sen. Jerry Fielding slideshow 
 
 SYLACAUGA – As Alabama lawmakers gather next month to write the state's education and general fund budgets and to consider a possible pay raise for teachers and legislation including a taxpayers' bill of rights and a bill to keep legislators from becoming lobbyists, their agenda will also include Duck Dynasty.State Sen. Jerry Fielding, R-Sylacauga, will introduce a Senate resolution in support of Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson in the upcoming legislative session, he announced Monday in a press release.Robertson made headlines when television network A&E; suspended his role in the show for making comments in an interview with GQ magazine that many have viewed as homophobic and racist.Fielding said the network “bowed to pressures from liberal groups rather than respecting Robertson’s biblically correct views.”Fielding believes Robertson's values are commonly held.“Phil Robertson’s family values are shared by the vast majority of Alabamians, who are rightfully concerned by the vitriol aimed at his Christian stance,” Fielding said. "The Chick-Phil-A campaign is picking up steam on social media ... encouraging people to eat at Chick-fil-A restaurants on January 21st while wearing Duck Commander or camouflage gear to show their support for the "" star.A Facebook page for the campaign says, "Stand for free speech. Odom launched the “Chick-Phil-A National Support Day,” Monday as a way for people to “make a unified, one day statement” of support for Robertson, Chick-fil-A and free speech, he told BizPac Review. I join thousands across Alabama and our country by standing with Phil Robertson, and urge A&E; to reverse their action against him.”The resolution will be introduced when the legislature convenes on Jan. 14.Fielding’s resolution reads, in part:“Whereas, renown entrepreneur, Louisiana outdoorsman, and reality television star Phil Robertson has positively impacted countless lives through the powerful testimony of his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ and how it has transformed his life; and Whereas Phil Robertson, along with his family, who are featured on the reality television show, Duck Dynasty, have served as ambassadors of the love and grace of the Heavenly Father through their exemplary lives on and off the camera; they have used their fame as a platform to promote wholesome ideals involving family and home life and worship of the Lord; and Whereas recently, Phil has received backlash for expressing his personal views on homosexuality that were based on scripture in the Bible in an interview with GQ Magazine; ultimately, the Arts and Entertainment Network (A&E;) punished him for his beliefs and suspended him indefinitely from the reality television show, Duck Dynasty, even though he did not address his views in correlation with the program; and Whereas a portion of the politically correct populous, which strongly encourages tolerance and open-mindedness, is now contradicting themselves with extreme intolerance and close-mindedness towards Phil and his personal beliefs, which stem from his rock-solid Christian faith; and Whereas while Phil does not condone certain lifestyles or behaviors, he issued the following profound statement abounding with love and tolerance: 'I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me; we are all created by the Almighty, and like Him, I love all of humanity'; and Whereas Phil should not be penalized in any way for practicing freedom of speech, but should be celebrated as a hero for courageously revealing his self-truth and Christian ideals in a world that can be unkind towards those with a conservative mind-set; and Whereas Phil Robertson and his family's admirable stance on marriage, family, and faith reflects the meritorious ideals of the fine citizens of the entire State of Alabama, and it is a tremendous privilege to express our utmost solidarity for them; now therefore, Be it resolved by the Legislature of Alabama, both houses thereof concurring, that this chamber of persons stand united in support of Phil Robertson and his family, and in opposition to the A&E; Network's deplorable action of suspending Phil indefinitely from Duck Dynasty for relaying his Christian beliefs.”To read the GQ article in its entirety, visit http://www.gq.com/entertainment/television/201401/duck-dynasty-phil-robertson.
– An Alabama lawmaker thinks it's important his state be on-record as supporting Phil Robertson (who is from Louisiana). Alabama state Sen. Jerry Fielding has written a resolution declaring that legislators "stand united" against A&E's "deplorable" decision to oust Robertson who "should be celebrated as a hero," the Daily Home reports. Fielding tells the paper that he believes A&E "bowed to pressures from liberal groups rather than respecting Robertson's biblically correct views," views he believes the "vast majority" of Alabamans hold. He'll introduce the resolution once the legislature assembles on Jan. 14. He's not the only one standing up for the embattled Duck Commander. A Facebook event has cropped up urging Robertson's supporters to dress in camouflage gear and eat at Chick-fil-A on Jan. 21, in what they're calling (wait for it) "Chick-Phil-A Day." As of this writing almost 59,000 have said they'll take part. The choice of venue is a nod to Chick-fil-A's own recent homophobia controversy—a post on the organization's page spotted by Fox Orlando urges followers to support "two of the biggest brands to have, in recent history, come under fire for sharing an opinion on personal faith-based beliefs." But the chain tells TMZ that the event "is in no way sponsored by or affiliated with Chick-fil-A." The event doesn't make clear who's behind it, but the BizPac Review reports that it's the work of LibertyNEWS co-founder Eric Odom.