“Duck Dynasty” star Phil Robertson is calling on the Republican Party to embrace God as it charts a path forward.
{mosads}”GOP, you can’t be right for America if you’re wrong with God,” Robertson said, according to The Washington Post. “You want to turn the Republican Party around? Get godly.”
Robertson made the comments at the Republican Leadership Conference Thursday night in New Orleans. He argued that the country has departed too far from its religious roots, as intended by the Founding Fathers, and said the contemporary understanding of the separation of church and state is a “lie.”
The reality show star drew backlash earlier this year after comparing homosexuality to bestiality and suggesting African-Americans were better off before the civil rights era during an interview with GQ magazine.
A&E, the station airing “Duck Dynasty,” temporarily suspended Robertson, but that quickly ended after hundreds of thousands of fans nationwide voiced their support for him.
On Thursday, Robertson made no mention of homosexuality, but he did come out against racism.
“The color of your skin doesn’t determine the character of your person,” he said.
While his comments sparked widespread criticism, they also inspired calls from conservatives in Louisiana for him to run for Senate. He ultimately declined that option, and on Thursday acknowledged he’s not the typical GOP standard-bearer.
“I guess the GOP may be more desperate than I thought to call somebody like me,” he said.