I am a flaming gay man. I add that information for any new jellies who might join in the conversation.
I skimmed a small portion of the article linked in the OP. I am aware of what he said from other news sources outlining the gist of his comments. They disgust me.
I was born and raised in the South, and I grew up with people very similar to the man in question. They are stupid and often proud of their ignorance. They are bigoted against many groups and are often proud of that, too.
I grew up attending church three times each week, and I heard with my ears that because I was gay I was subhuman, there was no redemption for me, and I would burn for eternity in literal fires of hell. I heard the same from mainstream media and from too many sources to name. I was acculturated to believe that my very being was a blight on humanity and that I was better off dead.
I was physically, emotionally, and mentally bullied and harassed as a child and youth for my sexuality by individuals and by larger groups.
These types of people are malicious in their words and deeds. They are evil.
I have spent my entire life in some type of fear and in therapy for my entire adult life trying to undo the egregious harm caused me.
Hate speech such as Phil uttered kills.
It kills.
Young people hear this shit and take it to heart and kill themselves.
I have attempted suicide, and I have lived with suicidal thoughts most of my conscious life. All of it can be traced to the gay-bashing I was subjected to as a child and youth and young adult.
Never again!
I will not be idle when anyone in the LGBT community is maimed in word or deed.
I am glad this Phil person was fired. I am glad that the network took a stand against bigotry and hate. I am grateful our society is evolving and recognizing hate for the evil that it is.