Double Whammy: SunTrust Bank Severs Business Relationship with Benham Bros.

"If our faith costs us our HGTV show and our business, then so be it." — Jason Benham

Atlanta, Georgia-based SunTrust Banks has joined ranks with HGTV in attacking the conservative values of Jason and David Benham by severing its business relationship with the twin brothers.

As The Daily Caller reported Friday, SunTrust Banks have dropped the Benham brothers' bank-owned properties from their listings in a move that comes only one week after HGTV canceled the twins' scheduled renovation show Flip It Forward. David Benham said they were "caught off-guard" by SunTrust's decision and added, "Keeping us off television wasn't enough, now this agenda to silence wants us out of the marketplace."

Because of their conservative Christian beliefs on abortion and gay marriage, left-wing news outlets eviscerated the brothers, labeling them extremists, which led to their show being canceled. Now it seems SunTrust bank is following suit. David's brother Jason said, "If our faith costs us our HGTV show and our business, then so be it."

The Benhams explained to TheDC that there was no "warning or explanation" for the bank's decision, but within 15 minutes, it was a done deal. The brothers referred to themselves as "preferred brokers" with their bank of "many years."

Bank representatives would not comment on any specifics but are calling the move a "reassignment."

In a show of support, Faith Driven Consumer, the website behind IStandWithPhil.com, has launched a campaign against HGTV and SunTrust -- FlipThisDecision.com. They are closing in on 18,000 signatures. FDC founder Chris Stone released this statement:

SunTrust Banks appears to have punished David and Jason Benham by taking action against their business purely based on their Christian beliefs. This sends a loud and clear message to people of faith in America, you’re not welcome at SunTrust, take your business somewhere else.

SunTrust’s actions have effectively put into place a belief-oriented litmus test for its business partners seeking to compete in the marketplace of goods, services, and ideas. This is discriminatory, intolerant, and in direct opposition everything that America is about.

Faith Driven Consumers, and all fair-minded Americans, are getting tired of this, they know it's wrong, and they are not going to tolerate this kind of bullying. On behalf of our community of 46 million people who spend $1.75 trillion annually, we are actively seeking banks who will welcome them along with all of the other people that they serve.

David Benham said, “As Americans we find ourselves at a crossroads and are forced with a decision to either stand up or sit down. Evidently, SunTrust’s longstanding commitment to diversity must not include our historic Christian values.”

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