Alliance Defending Freedom

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Alliance Defending Freedom

A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

What is the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), and why is attacking Americans? This blog post dives deep into the organization, exploring its mission, activities, and impact on American society and it’s citizens. We’ll analyze their legal strategies, financial backing, and controversial stances on key social issues, particularly LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access. ADF positions itself as a defender of religious freedom, but it’s actions force a specific ideological agenda. Let’s uncover the facts.

The Alliance Defending Freedom, or ADF, presents itself as a champion of “religious freedom,” but a closer examination reveals a far more sinister agenda. This well-funded conservative legal advocacy group, designated as an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), actively works to undermine the rights and well-being of countless Americans, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking abortion access.

Under the Guise of Religious Freedom

ADF cloaks its discriminatory agenda in the language of religious freedom. They argue that individuals and businesses should have the right to deny goods and services to LGBTQ+ people based on sincerely held religious beliefs. However, this “religious freedom” is nothing more than a thinly veiled excuse for discrimination, allowing a specific, conservative Christian ideology to dictate the rights and opportunities available to others.

A History of Hate

The SPLC’s designation of ADF as an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group is not arbitrary. ADF has a long and disturbing history of advocating for discriminatory policies and promoting harmful stereotypes. Their past actions include:

Legislative Assault

ADF’s influence extends far beyond rhetoric. They are a powerful force in shaping legislation, actively lobbying for and drafting anti-LGBTQ+ bills across the country. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) reports that ADF authored at least 130 bills in 34 states in 2022 alone, with over 30 being passed into law. These bills range from discriminatory bathroom policies targeting transgender students to measures allowing businesses to deny services to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Financial Powerhouse

ADF’s ability to inflict such widespread harm is fueled by its immense financial resources. In 2022, the organization raised a staggering $104 million, allowing them to fund their legal battles, lobbying efforts, and public relations campaigns. This financial power enables them to aggressively push their agenda and silence opposing voices.

Undermining Abortion Access

Alongside its attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, ADF is a leading force in the fight against abortion access. They have been instrumental in crafting and promoting legislation designed to restrict or outright ban abortion, effectively stripping women of their reproductive rights.

The Supreme Court Connection

ADF’s influence reaches the highest levels of the American legal system. They have been involved in several high-profile Supreme Court cases, including Masterpiece Cakeshop and 303 Creative, arguing for businesses’ right to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people. Their success in these cases demonstrates their ability to shape legal precedent and erode protections for marginalized groups.

A Former Spokesperson in Power

The election of Mike Johnson, a former ADF spokesperson and attorney, as Speaker of the House further highlights ADF’s alarming influence in government. This connection raises serious concerns about the potential for ADF’s agenda to be advanced through legislation and policy at the federal level.

In conclusion, the Alliance Defending Freedom is not simply a defender of religious freedom. It is a well-funded, politically active hate group that actively attacks Americans, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community and those seeking abortion access. By understanding their true agenda and exposing their harmful activities, we can fight back against their discriminatory efforts and protect the rights and well-being of all.

What is the Mission of Alliance Defending Freedom?

The A’s mission, as stated by the organization, is to defend religious freedom through legal advocacy. This seemingly straightforward statement, however, masks a complex and often troubling agenda. It’s crucial to examine what this mission means in practice, considering the specific interpretations of “religious freedom” that the Alliance Defending Freedom mission champions.

The Alliance Defending Freedom mission statement frames religious freedom as a “broad freedom to follow God in all of life’s pursuits,” a right they believe allows individuals to explore life’s deepest questions and live out their convictions peaceably in the public square. While this sounds inclusive, in reality, A’s definition of religious liberty is selectively applied. It prioritizes the beliefs of one particular religious group - conservative Christians - often at the expense of the rights and well-being of others, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has designated AFD as an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group. The SPLC cites A’s history of supporting the criminalization of homosexual acts, linking homosexuality to pedophilia, and its ongoing efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights. Organizations like GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign have also documented A’s consistent efforts to undermine LGBTQ+ equality.

It’s vital to understand that A’s advocacy extends beyond domestic issues. Through AFD International, the organization has worked to influence policies and legislation around the world, often with the goal of restricting abortion access and opposing LGBTQ+ rights. This global reach amplifies the potential harm caused by A’s discriminatory agenda.

Exploring ADF’s History, Structure, and Connections

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) has solidified its position as a prominent legal advocate for the Christian right since its founding in 1993. A’s journey to influence involved a strategic transformation from primarily funding allied attorneys to directly litigating cases. This shift, reflected in its 2012 name change from Alliance Defense Fund, underscores the organization’s increased control over its legal strategies and battles.

Leadership and Key Personnel

The current CEO, president, and general counsel of ADF is Kristen Waggoner, who took on the role in August 2022. Waggoner’s background includes arguing cases such as Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, a case highlighting ADF’s focus on religious freedom claims in the public sphere.

Michael Farris, a theocratic right-wing activist, attorney, and Baptist minister, served as CEO from 2017 to 2022. Farris’s history in the religious right is extensive, including opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s and founding the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). His signing of the original 1986 Coalition of Revival (COR) Manifesto further illustrates his alignment with theocratic ideologies.

Alan Sears was the first president, CEO, and chief counsel of ADF, serving for over two decades. Sears, described as an “ardent antipornography crusader,” previously served on the Reagan administration’s Attorney General’s Commission on Pornography. His leadership laid the foundation for ADF’s growth and expansion.

ADF International

ADF International operates in over 100 countries, engaging in legal advocacy and lobbying efforts on issues related to religious freedom, sexuality, and family. The organization has been involved in cases before international tribunals, including the European Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) reports ADF International has collaborated with groups that have ties to far-right Christian nationalism and white nationalism, raising concerns about the organization’s global impact and alliances.

Funding and Finances: Where Does ADF Get Its Money?

Key Donors and Financial Backers

The Alliance Defending Freedom’s financial strength is largely fueled by contributions, accounting for over 90% of its total revenue. Understanding who provides these contributions is key to understanding A’s influence. Several major donors have consistently supported ADF over the years. The Servant Foundation, via its financial arm The Signatry, stands out as a particularly significant financial backer, having donated over $50 million between 2018 and 2020. These funds have supported various initiatives, including the “He Gets Us” campaign. Donations from families like the Green family (of Hobby Lobby fame) also play a role in shaping ADF’s agenda.

Executive Compensation and Expenses

Examining ADF’s expenses reveals how it allocates its resources. Executive compensation, while significant, represents a relatively small percentage of the overall budget. In 2023, total executive compensation amounted to $3.2 million. Kristen Waggoner, the CEO, President, and General Counsel, received $470,522 in compensation, while Michael Farris, President through September 2022, received $848,848. It’s important to note that ADF has reported providing first-class or charter travel to key employees or officers. This contrasts with the far larger sums spent on program expenses, including legal cases and advocacy efforts.

Analyzing ADF’s 990 Filings

ADF, as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, is required to file Form 990 with the IRS annually. These filings offer a window into the organization’s financial health and operations. The 990 forms list revenue sources, with contributions making up the vast majority. Major expense categories include salaries and wages, legal advocacy, and grants. For example, ADF’s revenue has generally increased from $35.1 million in 2011 to $101.8 million in 2023, with expenses also rising from $33.8 million to $97.1 million during the same period. It’s worth noting that ADF has reported conflict of interest transactions in its 990 filings. While specific details are not readily available, the fact that these transactions are reported highlights the need for scrutiny.

A, or Alliance Defending Freedom, is a prominent legal organization deeply involved in numerous legal battles, advocating for specific interpretations of religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life. Conversely, they actively oppose LGBTQ+ rights, abortion access, and contraception. This section will delve into A’s core litigation positions, highlight some of their landmark cases, explore their legal strategies, and examine their approach to the intersection of religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws.

Core Litigation Positions

A’s litigation efforts are primarily focused on what they consider to be safeguarding fundamental freedoms. This includes defending religious freedom, which they interpret as the right for individuals and organizations to live out their religious convictions in the public square. They also champion free speech, parental rights in the upbringing and education of their children, and the sanctity of life, advocating for legal protections from conception to natural death. Conversely, AFD actively litigates against policies and laws that support LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and contraception. An analysis of A’s press releases, shows that the largest portion of their work is on religious liberty, with opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage close behind.

Landmark Cases

A has been involved in several high-profile cases that have significantly shaped the legal landscape surrounding religious freedom and social issues.

A employs a multifaceted approach to advance its objectives. Litigation is a primary tool, as seen in the cases mentioned above. They also engage in public campaigns to shape public opinion and influence policy. Strategic alliances with other organizations and legal experts amplify their reach and impact. Furthermore, AFD provides legal training through programs like the Blackstone Legal Fellowship, aimed at equipping attorneys and law students with the knowledge and skills to advocate for their positions. AFD has also been involved in initiatives like Pulpit Freedom Sunday, challenging IRS restrictions on political endorsements by churches.

Religious Freedom vs. Anti-Discrimination Laws

A’s approach to the intersection of religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws often involves arguing that religious freedom should be given precedence, even if it means allowing individuals and businesses to decline services to certain groups. This stance has drawn criticism from those who argue that it enables discrimination and undermines the principles of equality. AFD maintains that its actions are aimed at protecting religious liberty and preventing the government from compelling individuals to violate their deeply held beliefs. A’s actions seek to recover the robust Christendomic theology of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th centuries.

ADF and Politics: Influence and Connections

ADF and Politics: Influence and Connections

The Alliance Defending Freedom engages with the political sphere through various avenues, solidifying its influence in shaping policy and legislation. These include lobbying efforts, drafting model legislation, and strategically litigating cases centered on religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. It is a registered 501(c)(3) charity. In recent years, A’s political activities have seen a significant upswing, particularly during the Trump administration, with their revenue nearly doubling since 2017. The organization holds Special Consultative Status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), was accepted into the EU Transparency Register allowing influence on European Union policies, and is accredited by the Organization of American States (OAS). The AFD is also part of the advisory board of The 2025 Presidential Transition Project.

Does ADF support specific political candidates or parties, if so, which ones?

A’s support in the political arena leans heavily towards Republican candidates and conservative causes. While registered as a 501(c)(3) charity, precluding direct endorsement, individuals associated with the organization have contributed to campaigns of figures like Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and Mike Johnson. This indirect support underscores A’s alignment with conservative politics.

What are ADF’s connections to influential political figures?

The AFD boasts connections to several influential political figures, with Mike Johnson, the current Speaker of the House, being a prominent example. Johnson is a former AFD attorney and spokesperson, whose legal background with the organization has demonstrably influenced his political views and actions, especially on issues related to religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. During his time at A, Johnson authored op-eds against marriage equality and endorsed briefs that aimed to criminalize sexual activity between consenting adults. He also helped organize “Day of Truth,” a counterprotest to a student project aimed at fighting homophobia, describing homosexuality as “sinful and destructive.”

How did Mike Johnson’s background as an ADF lawyer influence his political career?

Mike Johnson’s background as an AFD lawyer has deeply influenced his political career, shaping his stance on key social issues and his approach to legislative matters. Johnson’s legal work with AFD provided him with a platform and experience that directly translated into his political career, particularly concerning religious freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. The Trump administration granted AFD unprecedented access, with Attorney General Jeff Sessions consulting with AFD before issuing guidelines on federal religious freedom protections.

ADF’s Controversies and Criticisms

SPLC Hate Group Designation

What is the SPLC’s rationale for designating AFD as a hate group? The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) designates Alliance Defending Freedom as an anti-LGBTQ hate group. The SPLC cites specific anti-LGBTQ+ statements and actions as the basis for this designation. These include A’s support for the recriminalization of sexual acts between consenting LGBTQ+ adults, its defense of state-sanctioned sterilization of trans people abroad, its claims that LGBTQ+ people are more likely to engage in pedophilia, and its assertion that a “homosexual agenda” will destroy Christianity and society. The SPLC also points to A’s efforts to develop “religious liberty” legislation that would allow the denial of goods and services to LGBTQ+ people based on religious objections. In response, AFD refutes the SPLC’s designation, characterizing the SPLC as a “discredited and scandal-ridden group” with a “far-left activist” agenda, and denying that it supports forced sterilization or the re-criminalization of homosexuality.

Allegations of Misinformation and Misrepresentation

Has AFD been accused of misrepresenting facts or distorting legal arguments? AFD has faced allegations of misinformation and misrepresentation. For example, Alliance Defending Freedom International has been accused of misrepresenting its involvement in the Coman and Others case before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Critics also point to A’s use of inflammatory rhetoric and its promotion of the “homosexual agenda” conspiracy theory as examples of misinformation and misrepresentation. These allegations contribute to the ongoing controversy surrounding AFD and its activities.

Answering Your Questions: People Also Ask

Okay, here’s the section of a blog post addressing frequently asked questions about the Alliance Defending Freedom, written as Blair Crowne:

Answering Your Questions: People Also Ask

Let’s address some of the frequently asked questions about A, the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). It’s important to have clear, factual information when discussing an organization with such a significant impact on our society.

What are the beliefs of the Alliance Defending Freedom?

The Alliance Defending Freedom is a legal advocacy group that frames its work around “religious freedom,” but its actions reveal a far-right, Christian agenda. The Southern Poverty Law Center has designated AFD as a hate group, citing its promotion of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and its support for laws that criminalize LGBTQ+ people internationally. A’s actions actively work to undermine LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and the separation of church and state.

The Alliance Defending Freedom believes in a narrow interpretation of “religious freedom” that allows individuals and businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people based on religious objections. AFD defends businesses that refuse to serve same-sex couples, advocates for laws restricting abortion access, and promotes a specific view of marriage as between one man and one woman. These Alliance Defending Freedom beliefs aren’t about protecting religious freedom but about imposing a specific religious ideology on everyone, regardless of their own beliefs or identities. AFD also actively funds anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion organizations.

How much does the CEO of ADF make?

Transparency is crucial, especially when discussing non-profit organizations. According to the most recent available data from their 990 filings, Kristen Waggoner, the CEO, President, and General Counsel of ADF, received CEO compensation packages exceeding $670,000 in recent years. This raises questions about the allocation of resources within AFD and whether the focus is truly on serving the public interest or on enriching its leadership.

What are the pillars of the Alliance Defending Freedom?

A claims its pillars are “religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights.” However, these ADF pillars are used to justify discriminatory practices and restrict the rights of marginalized groups. Their interpretation of “religious freedom” is weaponized to deny services to LGBTQ+ individuals, their stance on the “sanctity of life” restricts abortion access, and their views on “marriage and family” discriminate against same-sex couples.

These pillars are not about promoting equality or justice but about imposing a specific religious worldview on society and denying rights to those who do not conform.

Explain Alliance Defending Freedom’s structure and connections

A operates with a complex ADF structure, including ADF International, which extends its influence and agenda globally. AFD is also connected to a network of conservative organizations and political figures, many of whom share similar anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion views. This network allows AFD to amplify its message and exert influence on policy decisions at the local, national, and international levels.

These connections demonstrate a coordinated effort to restrict rights and promote a specific ideology, highlighting the need for increased scrutiny of A’s activities and its impact on marginalized communities.

Conclusion: Understanding ADF’s Role in the American Landscape

Conclusion: Understanding A’s Role in the American Landscape

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is a complex and influential organization with a significant impact on American law and society. Designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), AFD has a long history of anti-LGBTQ+ advocacy, both in the United States and internationally. Whether viewed as a defender of religious freedom or a promoter of a specific ideological agenda, understanding A’s mission, activities, and financial backing is crucial for informed civic engagement.

A’s agenda includes recriminalizing sexual acts between consenting LGBTQ+ adults, opposing LGBTQ rights, and opposing abortion and contraception. AFD has litigated against transgender employment protections, access to bathrooms, and participation in sports for transgender people. Members of AFD also authored model legislation for bathroom bills in the United States, aimed at restricting transgender people’s use of public bathrooms (SPLC).

A influence extends to the highest levels of government. During the Trump administration, AFD had unprecedented access to the White House, with affiliated attorneys advising on judicial nominations and policy (SPLC). For example, Attorney General Jeff Sessions consulted with AFD before issuing guidelines on interpreting federal religious freedom protections (SPLC).

A’s activities also include international advocacy. AFD has worked to keep anti-LGBTQ+ laws on the books in other countries and has partnered with far-right Christian nationalist and white nationalist groups in Europe (SPLC). Benjamin Bull, former director of AFD Global, applauded the Indian Supreme Court’s decision in 2013 that recriminalized LGBTQ+ sex (SPLC).

A’s educational advocacy efforts include opposing anti-bullying initiatives that protect LGBTQ+ students and promoting policies that deny rights to transgender students (SPLC). To further its goals, AFD provides grants and funding for legal cases and programs that align with its objectives. As of 2023, AFD reported total assets of $97.6 million and revenue of $101.8 million, demonstrating its financial strength and ability to influence legal and policy outcomes. AFD also offers training programs for attorneys, law students, pastors, college students, and supporters, equipping them to advocate for A’s agenda.

What are the long-term implications of A’s legal strategies? How will AFD continue to shape the religious freedom debate and social issues in the years to come? Since this is a hate group, it is important to recognize the negative impact AFD has on marginalized communities and the importance of opposing their discriminatory agenda. Understanding the AFD impact on American society is crucial for promoting equality and justice for all. The AFD future is uncertain, but its past actions and current strategies indicate a continued commitment to advancing its conservative Christian agenda.

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