Group to protest Kirk Cameron's marriage conference appearance

A self-proclaimed civil rights group has announced that it will be protesting actor Kirk Cameron's visit to New Jersey later this month due to his Christian views regarding homosexuality.

The group, Ocean Grove United, announced in a blog post that it will be protesting Cameron's arrival at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, where he will be presenting a program entitled "Love Worth Fighting For" marriage event on the evening of 27 July.

The event is part of the Christian-run Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association's "camp meeting week", during which Christians can attend a variety of programmes and workshops to better understand and strengthen their relationship with God.

Ocean Grove United is protesting Cameron's attendance at the camp meeting week for previous comments he has made regarding his belief that homosexuality is a sin.

"The ability to make derogatory comments towards gays and lesbians seems to go under the radar," Harriet Bernstein, co-chairwoman of Ocean Grove United, told the Asbury Park Press.

"People don't seem to take it seriously," she continued, adding that she believes Cameron's previous comments merit increased bullying of homosexuals in the United States.

The group will be silently marching to the Great Auditorium on the night of Cameron's speech. They are encouraged not to interact with Cameron's supporters.

Cameron, who starred in the popular 1980s sitcom "Growing Pains", has been repeatedly attacked for his Christian beliefs after his March interview on CNN's "Piers Morgan Tonight".

Although Cameron had agreed to an interview to promote his new documentary "Monumental", he was asked about his viewpoints regarding homosexuality.

Cameron responded by saying that as a Christian who believes the Bible is true, homosexuality is "unnatural" and "detrimental, and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization".

He eventually went on the "Today" show to clarify that he does not hate gay people, nor does he support the bullying of gay people, but is simply complying with his beliefs as a Christian.

Cameron's response garnered a firestorm of media attention and attacks from those who disagreed with his opinions, including an obscenity-ridden Funny or Die video titled "Child Celebrities Opposing Kirk Cameron".

When Morgan questioned the actor on what he would say if his son were to tell him he were gay, Cameron responded by saying he would sit down with his son and talk to him about the way he felt.

"I wouldn't say 'That's great, son, as long as you're happy.' I'm going to say, 'There are all sorts of issues we need to wrestle through in our life. Just because you feel one way doesn't mean we should act on everything we feel,'" Cameron explained.

Cameron gave a similar speech on the importance of love and marriage last year at the Great Auditorium in New Jersey, reportedly drawing about 2,400 attendees to hear him speak.