Last week, a kerfuffle arose when a Buzzfeed story targeted popular HGTV “Fixer Upper” hosts Chip and Joanne Gaines for attending a church that espouses traditional Christian views on marriage and homosexual relationships. The bogus “controversy” has died down in part because of widespread criticism of the story, HGTV’s unwillingness to ditch the Gaineses and the Gaineses refusal to engage on the issue beyond asking supporters to respect the Buzzfeed reporter who wrote the hit piece.

But HGTV wasn’t always so willing to stand against opponents of Christian culture. In 2014, David and Jason Benham were real estate entrepreneurs and soon-to-be hosts of “Flip It Forward,” a show focused on helping families in debt buy, sell and flip homes to pay off their debts. HGTV cancelled the show, however, when liberal website Right Wing Watch and other websites and activists launched a firestorm of criticism after discovering that the Benhams are vocal opponents of abortion and of redefining marriage.

The so-called “Benham Brothers” sat down for an interview with The Stream to discuss their reactions to the artificial controversy, and what it means in the larger picture of attacks on Christians across the country.

The Stream: What’s your reaction to the Buzzfeed attack on the Gaineses/HGTV?

Benham Brothers: It was yet another hit piece by the thought mafia. This is our new reality in America : If you live out your Christian faith, which flies in the face of godless, secular trends, you will be targeted, vilified and ultimately punished for not bowing the knee.

TS: Likewise, what do you think about HGTV’s sticking with the Gaineses, and the pushback against Buzzfeed by even some on the left?

BB: HGTV doesn’t have to cower to the bullies, and it appears they’re just going to let this issue ride for now. That’s encouraging to see. But what about the florist in Washington, the bakers in Oregon and the wedding chapel owners in Iowa? These people have all lost their businesses for living our their beliefs. ln the same way Americans pushed back Buzzfeed for the Gaineses, we should do for these families.

TS: Obviously, your show was cancelled because of your activism, and many have compared treatment of the Gaineses to HGTV’s treatment of you both. Do you see a difference in the treatment, since the Gaineses are not engaged in any social or political or religious activism, whereas you were prior to your show? Or since they are being targeted for presumed socially conservative viewpoints, is it all in the same category of treatment?

BB: The same thought mafia that targeted us targeted the Gaineses, and will target any believer who lives out their beliefs — vocally or not. The Gaineses are safe for now (and anyone else for that matter) — until they choose to speak God’s loving truth about a cultural hot topic issue. When that happens, you can rest assured the thought mafia will be right there to strike.

TS: The Duggars survived many controversies. Phil Robertson is pretty outspoken on his views, and HGTV is sticking with the Gaineses. They were/are stars of successful shows. What role does economics play, in your view, related to shows sticking with conservative hosts?

BB: Money has everything to do with these networks sticking with their talent. They’re in business to make money.

Editor’s note: This interview has been slightly edited for clarity.