A conservative Christian organisation is protesting the new reality series Back to the Frontier for featuring a same-sex couple, calling the decision a “glorification of sin” and launching a petition demanding their removal.
The series, which recently premiered on the Magnolia Network, challenges three families to live as 1880s homesteaders, giving up modern comforts like electricity and running water to embrace frontier life.
Produced by Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, the show follows families as they attempt to master survival skills used by early settlers. Among the participants are Jason and Joe Hanna-Riggs, a married gay couple raising 10-year-old twin boys, Ethan and Lucas.
The inclusion of the Hanna-Riggs family has sparked outrage among groups like One Million Moms (OMM) — a project of the American Family Association (AFA) — which posted a statement on its website condemning the casting.
“By featuring a homosexual couple with children in a family dynamic within their show, [the show’s producers] are now embracing and accepting this lifestyle choice,” OMM said.
Chip Gaines Responds: “Talk, Ask Questions, Listen…”
Chip Gaines addressed the backlash via social media, urging fellow Christians to adopt a more compassionate and open-minded approach.
“Talk, ask questions, listen… maybe even learn. Too much to ask of modern American Christian culture. Judge first, understand later or never,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“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.”
His response only intensified the criticism from conservative circles. AFA Vice President Ed Vitagliano criticised Gaines directly, questioning what value could come from featuring a same-sex couple.
“What does he hope to learn from a homosexual couple that he can’t learn from the Bible? Would he ever consider having a racist couple on this show in order to ‘listen’ and ask questions?” Vitagliano said. “He wouldn’t dare – and rightfully so – because racism is wrong. End of story.”
Petition Accuses Show of “Pushing a Woke Agenda”
OMM has launched a petition, which they claim has already gathered 5,000 signatures, denouncing Back to the Frontier for promoting a so-called “woke and liberal agenda”.
“It is irresponsibly misleading viewers with opinions of liberal, woke individuals,” the petition reads. “Scripture states in Ezekiel 13:10–12 and Matthew 18:6 that it is extremely dangerous to lead others astray.”
The petition continues:
“My family and I are not buying what you are selling and will stay far away from your reality show. You will not have my support if you continue to veer away from scriptural truth.”
OMM also accused the Gaineses of inconsistency, noting that Fixer Upper never featured a same-sex couple and stating, “Christians are wondering why the sudden change in the stance they are taking.”
“It is disappointing that Chip and Joanna are now glorifying sin, and no sin should be placed in the spotlight and honoured, including homosexuality,” the group claimed.
Despite the backlash, the Hanna-Riggs family has received widespread support online, with many viewers applauding their inclusion as a positive step for representation in family-focused media.
