Movies

Chip and Joanna Gaines’ new show features a same-sex married couple. Some Christians are ‘disappointed’

BBG News

After the founder of Samaritan’s Purse, Franklin Graham, publicly criticized their new HBO Max show due to its portrayal of a same-sex couple with twin children as part of the three families it features, Chip Gaines had some thoughts to share.

It was disheartening for Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham, to learn on Saturday that Jason Hanna, Joe Riggs, their sons Ethan and Lucas were part of “Back to the Frontier,” a series produced by Magnolia Network. Chip and Joanna Gaines, founders of Magnolia, are executive producers for this show.

Entertainment & Arts

Supporters of home renovation television programs felt a profound sense of sadness on Tuesday, as Chip and Joanna Gaines revealed they would be parting ways with their popular HGTV program “Fixer Upper.

Graham stated, ‘I was hoping it wasn’t so, but I heard today that Chip and Joanna Gaines may be featuring a same-sex couple in their upcoming series. If this is the case, it’s quite disheartening.’ He further explained, ‘Although we are called to love everyone, we should love them enough to share God’s unchanging truth as written in His Word. The Bible represents absolute truth. God cherishes us, and His intention for marriage is between a man and a woman. To endorse something that God deems as sinful is an act of sin itself.’

The American Family Association, often referred to as a “pro-family organization,” initially responded with a statement from Vice President Ed Vitaglaino. He expressed disappointment about Chip and Joanna Gaines’ decision, stating that they have significantly impacted the evangelical community. Moreover, he highlighted their past stance on the importance of marriage, which they upheld despite personal consequences. The AFA isn’t clear on why the Gaines have changed their stance, but they are certain about this: “Back to the Frontier” supports a perspective on human sexuality, marriage, and family that is not in line with biblical teachings; a belief system that no Christian should adopt.

On Sunday, Chip Gaines, a member of the Antioch Community Church in Waco, Texas (alongside his wife), appeared to post a response.

He expressed that in contemporary American Christian culture, it’s unusual to engage in conversation, ask questions, and learn. Instead, it often starts with judgment, understanding may come later or not at all. He lamented on X that non-believers rarely encounter hostility or harshness until they meet modern American Christians.

Entertainment & Arts

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but share my fascination with the duo behind HGTV’s home transformation sensation, “Fixer Upper.” When they’re not miraculously transforming properties into dream homes, this dynamic pair is also devoting their time and energy to another beautiful project – expanding their own family.

Matt Walsh, a conservative filmmaker, political commentator, and podcast host at The Daily Wire, retorted to Chip Gaines by saying, “Perhaps it would be beneficial for you to first grasp the fundamental ethical principles of your claimed religion before you lecture others on their perceived misunderstandings.

Approximately two hours following his “melancholy Sunday” update, Gaines shared that his family was heading to church, resharing a 2016 tweet expressing that during difficult moments, they would be found attending church.

On Instagram, on a Tuesday, Joanna Gaines showcased the Magnolia Network programs up for Daytime Emmy Awards.

Away from their online conversations, Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs have consistently shared updates about their family life on their Instagram account @2_dallas_dads ever since the birth of their twins in May 2014.

World & Nation

The Israeli Supreme Court, in its ruling in July, struck down certain provisions within the surrogacy law, thereby allowing same-sex partners to have kids through a surrogate mother.

When our twin boys were born through surrogacy in 2014, we encountered some legal hurdles. This experience led us to believe it’s crucial for us to set a positive example for other same-sex couples. We are thrilled that they picked a same-sex couple as one of the modern families in their representation, because we embody this reality – we live alongside you, work with you. This choice offered us an excellent chance to continue normalizing same-sex relationships and families.

In “Back to the Frontier,” we find ourselves transporting three families – from Alabama, Florida, and Texas – into a realistic reenactment of the 1880s frontier life that lasts for eight weeks. They live on this ‘frontier’ where they must construct their dwellings, raise livestock, gather food, and manage their resources. The objective is to accumulate enough supplies to survive the winter months. However, rest assured that these families have returned to their modern homes with air-conditioning afterwards.

In this engaging production, families are invited to ponder their bonds and grapple with the difficulties of living as they would have in the 1880s, as stated by HBO Max upon its launch, which took place on Thursday.

HBO Max did not reply immediately to The Times’ request for additional comment Tuesday.

World & Nation

Thailand is widely recognized as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals. It ranks third in Asia for legalizing same-sex marriages, following Taiwan (in 2019) and Nepal (in 2023).

In May 2023, Chip and Joanna Gaines found themselves embroiled in controversy concerning LGBTQ+ matters after Target, which stocks their Magnolia Home collection, faced criticism for selling items aimed at transgender individuals as part of its Pride Month assortment. Some critics even questioned the retailer’s recognition of Pride Month itself. Conservative groups advocated for a boycott and sought comment from the couple regarding the situation.

It’s widely accepted that Chip and Joanna are wonderful individuals, compassionate, ethical, and embodying American ideals, as Rachel Campos-Duffy stated while temporarily hosting ‘Jesse Watters Primetime.’ However, if my business had a reputation associated with it and it collaborated with a transgender Satanist who produces children’s swimwear with a questionable design, I would feel obliged to express my concerns.

Could it be that they’re discussing this matter privately within their group? Certainly, that’s a possibility. However, one might wonder why such discussions aren’t being made public if that is indeed the case.

California

As a devoted cinephile, I’d rephrase it like this: I find myself immersed in the life story of a remarkable 17-year-old transgender athlete who bravely navigates hurdles, both on the track and under the glaring national limelight. We journey alongside her during her tumultuous swan song of high school, witnessing her resilience and spirit in the face of adversity.

The individual referred to as a “trans Satanist” by Campos-Duffy’s (wife of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy) is actually London designer Erik Carnell, who identifies as trans and whose brand, Abprallen, had previously partnered with Target. However, the partnership ended after Target faced pressure from boycotts. It’s important to note that a design saying “Satan respects pronouns” was part of Carnell’s collection, but it was never actually sold at Target, as reported by CNN.

Conservative commentator Benny Johnson shared a video of himself browsing through Target’s Pride Month section, followed by what he described as a “10-step walk” to the Magnolia Home display. In a seemingly sarcastic manner, he referred to Joanna Gaines and her family as “representatives of Christian businesspeople and family values.

He mentioned that he’s been posting on Twitter about how Christian influencers Chip and Joanna Gaines haven’t spoken out against Target’s alleged child grooming, despite the criticism they’ve faced. What he didn’t realize was that the ‘Gaines’ section of Target is located right next to the section accused of grooming, which he finds unsettling.

Chip and Joanna Gaines did not speak out during that controversy.

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2025-07-16 02:02

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