Meet the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), an extremist group that’s influencing anti-LGBTQ legislation across the United States. In just the 2024 session, they have been instrumental in writing 107 bills in 24 states. The organization has been increasing its state-based legislative advocacy to drive the agenda. Critics argue that this agenda prioritizes certain, selective freedoms over others and too often violates the rights of marginalized communities in the process. Over the years, the ADF has received media attention for its role in some important legal fights. Most famously, it was the statute that brought about the Dobbs case that led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Founded with the mission of promoting what it describes as “every person’s God-given right to live and speak the truth,” the ADF has positioned itself as a defender of religious freedom. Many view its efforts as part of a broader agenda that seeks to limit rights, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals. Under former president Alan Sears, the organization was instrumental in advocating for state laws that criminalized consensual gay sex. It staunchly resisted the legalization of same-sex marriage.
In recent years, the ADF has marked significant wins in various legal arenas, representing parties in 15 Supreme Court cases since 2011 and claiming victory in 77 cases since its inception. This includes high-profile cases such as that of the Christian baker who refused to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple in Colorado and actions against the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate.
For all of its legal victories, opponents contend that the ADF uses strategic resonant narratives to present its agenda in a favorable light. By placing upfront the very people whose freedoms they profess are under attack, the organization aims to drive media and public sentiment. John Oliver, a prominent commentator, remarked on this tactic, stating that the ADF “worked extremely hard to put a misleadingly friendly face on what is an utterly hateful ideology.” He emphasized the importance of understanding what they really want. He proposed that the organization largely succeeds because of the blanket ignorance about its operations and ideological roots.
The ADF is currently involved in efforts to defend bans on gay sex in countries including India and Belize. Their engagement goes far beyond the Pentagon’s U.S. borders. It deeply promotes the interests of faith-based adoption agencies that discriminate against same-sex couples, lobbying for their right to publicly funded discrimination. Meanwhile, it fights tooth and nail against these bans on conversion therapy. Yet these actions raise serious ethical questions about the organization’s long-term commitment to protecting civil liberties for everyone.
Oliver pointed out a crucial distinction between ADF’s tactics and those of other advocacy groups, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), stating, “Because at least with the NRA, you understand what its endgame is, as they will happily tell you to your face.” This statement underscores a concern shared by many: that the ADF often obscures its objectives under a veneer of friendly rhetoric.
Kristen Waggoner, a key player within the ADF, understands that compelling stories are mission-critical to the ADF’s cause. She stated, “We need to win back culture … I would say we need to engage and tell the stories in a winsome way.” This strategy is part of an overall strategy to reach new, wider audiences. Yet critics say that in practice, it fails to consider the impact of their legal positions on marginalized communities.
The ADF’s impact has been seen in major shifts to legislation. Specifically, they fought against laws that impose protest buffers around abortion clinics. They led litigation efforts to force the removal of abortion medications like mifepristone. Yet, these efforts are merely a part of a larger plan to redefine social acceptance on reproductive rights and gender/sexuality issues.
Oliver highlighted the need for greater awareness about organizations like the ADF, asserting, “So they are way more powerful than many are aware.” He sounded consistent notes on the value of transparency about their activities and aspirations. Public perception and pressure can have an immense impact on legislative outcomes. As such, it’s important to know what ADF’s tactics are really about.
“Unfortunately, a lot of this is out of our hands right now,” he added, acknowledging the challenges faced by those who oppose the ADF’s agenda. His comments speak to an escalating concern among supporters of LGBTQ+ equality and reproductive freedom. They should be concerned about the implications of ADF’s victories in state legislation.