Phil Robertson, star of the hit reality show ‘Duck Dynasty’, has been temporarily dropped from the show after comparing homosexuality to bestiality.

The reality series, which revolves around family run duck hunting supply store Duck Commander, is the highest rated show on the A&E network.

In an interview with GQ magazine this month, the 67 year-old founder of the company Phil Robertson said, “It seems like, to me, a vagina – as a man – would be more desirable than a man’s anus. 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.”

He also suggested that homosexuality could lead to bestiality, saying, “Start with homosexual behaviour and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and those men.”

Robertson continued on his anti-gay rant by paraphrasing quotes from the Bible and claimed that “the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers” could not “inherit the kingdom of God”.

However, Robertson added, “We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven or hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ‘em, give ‘em the good news about Jesus – whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ‘em out later.”

A&E have placed Robertson on a hiatus from filming and issued a statement saying,”We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson’s comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty.

“His personal views in no way reflect those of A&E networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community.”

In a statement responding to the criticism, Robertson explained, “My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the Bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together.

“However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and, like Him, I love all of humanity.”

Read Rob Buchanan’s opinion about Robertson’s suspension here.