The controversial television star who was suspended for controversial remarks in 2013 has become a hero to conservatives supporting freedom of speech.
“In a time where conservative Christians are under attack by the media and pop culture, Phil Robertson continues to courageously stand by Truth and his convictions,” said David N. Bossie, President of Citizens United in a release. “I can think of no better person to present the ‘Andrew Breitbart Defender of the First Amendment Award’ to than Mr. Phil Robertson.”
The award is named after Breitbart, former editor of the eponymous site who passed away in 2012. Conservative Radio star Mark Levin received the award last year.
Robertson, a devout Christian, was briefly suspended from the show for remarks he made about homosexuality in GQ magazine.
“It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer,” he said. “I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”
After public protest, A&E Networks lifted the ban and let Robertson continue filming the highly successful show based on their lives in Louisiana.
CNN also learned Citizens United’s next Freedom Summit will be held in South Carolina this spring. After the success of their Iowa Summit in January, which launched Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s current lead in some polls, the group is aiming to impact the first-in-the-South primary state as well.
The group came into the mainstream during the 2010 Supreme Court case, Citizens United vs. Federal Election Committee, which gave way to the creation of Super Pacs, groups that can take unlimited donations independent of a political candidate or party.
During her run for the Democratic nomination, the group released “Hillary: The Movie”, which featured conservative politicians and activists giving their take on Hillary Clinton’s record as former first lady and then-senator.
The Supreme Court ruled against the group, which protested bans on advertising it during the 2008 primary season.
Heading into the 2016 election, the group plans to ramp up their efforts to provide an outlet for conservative viewpoints, like the summits for candidates, during the primary and general election.