(NewsNation) — Magnolia Network co-founder Chip Gaines is pushing back after evangelist Franklin Graham recently criticized the reality show “Back to the Frontier” because it includes a same-sex couple.
On Saturday, Graham posted on X to say it was “very disappointing” to learn the show features a gay couple. The son of the late preacher Billy Graham said it’s important to “love people” but added same-same marriage violates God’s “design for marriage … between one man and one woman.”
“Back to the Frontier” showcases a group of modern-day families who agree to experience the hardships of 19th century American settlers. One of the families is led by Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs of Dallas, a married couple with 10-year-old twin boys.
Gaines took to X on Sunday to express disappointment in American Christian culture, which he suggested is quick to judge.
“It’s a sad sunday when ‘non believers’ have never been confronted with hate or vitriol until they are introduced to a modern American Christian,” the media mogul said.
Gaines and his wife, Joanna, are the founders of lifestyle brand Magnolia and the Magnolia television network. They initially found success with the HGTV show “Fixer Upper.”