HRC Releases Report on the Religious Right's "Export of Hate"

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has been a vocal opponent of the anti-gay Religious Right, calling out activists who promote homophobia at home and abroad. HRC has just released Export of Hate, a collection of profiles on American anti-LGBTQ activists who promote homophobia worldwide. Export of Hate comes shortly after the release of Exposed: The World Congress of Families, a report on the role of the World Congress of Families in international anti-gay activism.

Export of Hate warns readers that the hateful rhetoric of American anti-LGBTQ figures is having devastating consequences for LGBTQ communities throughout world.

While LGBT people around the world face systematic stigmatization, persecution and violence, there exists a network of American extremists who are working tirelessly to undercut them at every turn. These individuals are spreading venomous rhetoric, outrageous theories and discredited science. Some claim that LGBT people are responsible for the Holocaust, the Rwandan genocide and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Others argue that LGBT people are luring away children, and that acceptance of LGBT people will lead to the destruction of families around the world. Some even suggest that the death penalty may be an appropriate punishment for homosexuality.

While this vicious brand of bigotry is currently finding little traction in the United States, public opinion in many other nations makes their words and work much more dangerous. In fact, their actions pose a fundamental threat to the safety of LGBT people around the world, and that threat is growing.

Export of Hate contains background information on 14 Religious Right figures, including countries in which they are active and particularly noxious quotes. Activists profiled in the report include:

• Scott Lively, the head of Abiding Truth Ministries whose name has become synonymous with a draconian anti-gay law.


• Larry Jacobs, managing director of the World Congress of Families, an organization best known for its recurring international conferences at which anti-LGBTQ, anti-choice, and anti-feminist figures network.


• Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage, who anti-LGBTQ activism in Russia and France has drawn attention from news media and condemnation from LGBTQ groups.


• Sharon Slater, president of Family Watch International and a vocal supporter for anti-LGBTQ attitudes and policies in Africa.


• Jordan Sekulow, director of international operations for the American Center for Law and Justice, a legal advocacy organization with multiple international affiliates.

As a side note, Scott Lively was not amused at being included in the report. In a September 17th blog post, he called Export of Hate "nothing less than an enemies list designed to help people like “gay” activist Floyd Lee Corkins identify their assassination targets." In his usual bombastic fashion, he accused LGBTQ equality activists of "malicious hatred" and claimed that "if [gay activists] thought they could get away will killing every person on the HRC and SPLC hit lists, they would do it."

Export of Hate reminds us that anti-LGBTQ activism isn't just about toxic rhetoric. Many of the figures profiled in the report have actively lobbied international lawmakers, applauded anti-LGBTQ measures, and promoted destructive stereotypes about the LGBTQ community. Their efforts have had harsh consequences for LGBTQ communities, and they will continue to undermine equality unless their efforts are brought to light. At home or abroad, homophobia must be condemned by people of conscience.

The HRC report provides a global snapshot of the American Religious Right's machinations across the globe, and is a must-read for supporters of LGBTQ equality. Download the report here.


To read additional commentary, visit the following links.

The New Civil Rights Movement: Big Hate: American Religious Extremists Exporting Anti-Gay Hate Around The World

LGBT Weekly: Anti-gay groups, facing mounting losses at home, take their message abroad

Towleroad: Human Rights Campaign Exposes Extreme Anti-Gay American Activists