A recent analysis has exposed a vast network of individuals, organizations, and financial backers actively working against LGBTQ+ equality in the United States. The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a conservative Christian organization, is identified as a central player in these efforts.
Known for its legal battles opposing same-sex marriage and transgender rights, ADF is connected to a web of influential figures and groups that are deeply embedded in conservative Christian and right-wing circles.
Key figures associated with ADF include Alan Sears, the organization’s President and CEO; Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council; and James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family. Phil Anschutz, Chairman of the Anschutz Foundation, and Richard DeVos Sr., founder of Amway, are highlighted as major financial contributors supporting these anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives.
Additionally, corporations like Hobby Lobby and the National Christian Foundation are cited as significant funders of these efforts. The analysis also reveals the extensive legislative impact of this network. In 2016 alone, over 200 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across 34 states, with more than $150 million spent annually by groups opposing LGBTQ+ rights.
This coordinated campaign underscores the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community as they continue to fight for equal rights. These findings are a stark reminder of the organized and well-funded opposition to LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
The report calls for increased awareness and action, urging supporters of equality to counter these efforts and continue advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. This analysis serves as both a wake-up call and a tool for education, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to protect and advance LGBTQ+ rights in the face of significant opposition.
