Kirk Cameron is still feeling the hate loud and clear after calling homosexuality “unnatural.” In response, the conservative Christian has issued a statement. The Growing Pains star says, “I spoke as honestly as I could, but some people believe my responses were not loving toward those in the gay community. That is not true. I can assuredly say that it’s my life’s mission to love all people.”

He continues, “I should be able to express moral views on social issues, especially those that have been the underpinning of Western civilization for 2,000 years — without being slandered, accused of hate speech and told from those who preach ‘tolerance’ that I need to either bend my beliefs to their moral standards or be silent when I’m in the public square.”

Kirk adds that he’s “been encouraged by the support of many friends (including gay friends, incidentally).”

But one person who doesn’t support him is his one-time TV dad, Alan Thicke — who tweets: “I’m getting him some new books. The Old Testament simply can’t be expected to explain everything.” He also writes, “I love Kirk, but I may have to spank him…’tho not in a gay way!”