TV network TLC is staying silent in the battle of petitions over the future of reality TV show 19 Kids and Counting.

Pro-gay advocates have been calling for the show's cancellation via a petition on the Change.org website, but their efforts have triggered a groundswell of support for the Duggar family from others who support their position on sexuality.

The Change.org petition was launched back in August attacking Michelle Duggar's "fearmongering" and "hatred" after she publicly challenged an ordinance in Fayetteville, Arkansas, that would have allowed transgender women to use female restrooms.  

It was also critical of the oldest son of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, Josh, because of his involvement with the conservative think tank, Family Research Council.

"Duggar words reek of ignroance and fear mongering. Just because someone is transgendered doesn't mean they are a child predator or a rapist. The claim that this ordinance would provide predators with access to women's restrooms in order to assault or leer at girls or women is nothing more than fear-mongering and spreading ignornace and hatred," it read.

It has been signed over 170,000 times, and signatures spiked in recent weeks when it was widely publicised on entertainment media outlets.

The petition defending the family, launched a week ago on the LifeSiteNews website, has been signed by over 204,000 times.

"The Duggar Family is under attack from anti-marriage advocates for standing for traditional marriage," the petition says.

"We commend The Duggar Family for their brave stand in defending marriage as ordained by God between one man and one woman. No individual's sexual behavior and chosen lifestyle has the right to redefine marriage.

Its supporters include senator Rick Santorum, who told the website that the Duggars were "a wonderful family, and Karen and I support them and encourage folks to stand with the Duggars against these ridiculous attacks from the left".

The Christian Post said it had contacted TLC for its reaction to the petitions and a spokesperson said they had no comment to make on the matter.