Alliance Defending Freedom

Alliance Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization founded in 1994 by Alan Sears and other Scottsdale, Arizona residents, with the goal of advocating for religious freedom, sanctity of life, and marriage and family values, as defined by Christianity. The organization has been involved in various high-profile cases, including Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission and Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., alongside American Civil Liberties Union, National Organization for Women, and Human Rights Campaign. Alliance Defending Freedom has also worked with Focus on the Family, Family Research Council, and National Right to Life Committee to promote its values.

● History

The organization was founded in 1994 by Alan Sears, a former United States Department of Justice official, and other Scottsdale, Arizona residents, with the goal of promoting Judeo-Christian values and First Amendment rights. In its early years, the organization focused on providing legal assistance to Christian individuals and organizations, including Catholic Church, Southern Baptist Convention, and Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Over time, the organization expanded its scope to include advocacy on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and transgender rights, often working with National Association of Evangelicals, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. Alliance Defending Freedom has also collaborated with American Center for Law and Justice, Thomas More Society, and Becket Fund for Religious Liberty on various cases and initiatives.

● Mission and Activities

The organization's mission is to advocate for religious freedom, sanctity of life, and marriage and family values, as defined by Christianity. To achieve this mission, Alliance Defending Freedom engages in a range of activities, including litigation, legislative advocacy, and public education, often working with Heritage Foundation, Cato Institute, and American Enterprise Institute. The organization has a network of over 3,000 allied attorneys who provide legal assistance to individuals and organizations, including Catholic Charities USA, Salvation Army, and Samaritan's Purse. Alliance Defending Freedom also provides training and resources to churches, ministries, and other faith-based organizations, such as Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Focus on the Family, and Family Research Council.

● Notable Cases

Alliance Defending Freedom has been involved in several high-profile cases, including Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., and Obergefell v. Hodges, alongside American Civil Liberties Union, National Organization for Women, and Human Rights Campaign. The organization has also argued cases before the United States Supreme Court, including Town of Greece v. Galloway and Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC, often working with Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, American Center for Law and Justice, and Thomas More Society. In addition, Alliance Defending Freedom has filed amicus briefs in numerous cases, including United States v. Windsor and Fisher v. University of Texas, collaborating with National Association of Evangelicals, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.

● Criticisms and Controversies

Alliance Defending Freedom has faced criticism and controversy over its views on LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and Islam, from organizations such as Human Rights Campaign, Planned Parenthood, and Council on American-Islamic Relations. Some have accused the organization of promoting hate speech and discrimination, while others have criticized its involvement in cases that seek to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and women, including National Organization for Women and American Civil Liberties Union. Alliance Defending Freedom has also been criticized for its ties to conservative and evangelical Christian groups, including Focus on the Family and Family Research Council, as well as its receipt of funding from conservative foundations, such as Heritage Foundation and American Enterprise Institute.

● Organization and Funding

Alliance Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization that is funded by donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations, including Koch family foundations and Bradley Foundation. The organization has an annual budget of over $50 million and employs over 100 staff members, including attorneys, policy analysts, and communications specialists, who often work with Cato Institute, Heritage Foundation, and American Enterprise Institute. Alliance Defending Freedom is governed by a board of directors that includes Alan Sears, Michael Farris, and Kristen Waggoner, as well as other prominent conservative and evangelical Christian leaders, such as Tony Perkins and Gary Bauer.

● International Involvement

Alliance Defending Freedom has also been involved in international efforts to promote religious freedom and human rights, often working with United Nations, European Union, and Council of Europe. The organization has filed amicus briefs in cases before the European Court of Human Rights and has provided legal assistance to individuals and organizations in countries such as Ukraine, Poland, and Mexico, collaborating with Open Doors, International Justice Mission, and Pompeo, Mike. Alliance Defending Freedom has also partnered with international organizations, such as World Evangelical Alliance and Catholic Church, to promote its values and advocate for persecuted Christians and other religious minorities, including Pew Research Center and United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.