FFRF Condemns the Appointment Of Tony Perkins To U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom

By Alison Lesley --
17 May 2018 --

Perkins Is Known For His Rabid Anti-LGBTQ Views

Tony Perkins, the President of Family Research Council (FRC) was appointed to be a member of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).[/tweetit] The organization claims to defend universal right on matters of belief or religion outside the United States. Perkins was recommended by Mitch McConnell, an elected Republican from Kentucky and a Senate Majority Leader. The USCIRF issues a report every year on May 1, concerning global religious freedom matters.

FFRF Condemns the Appointment of Tony Perkins to U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom[/tweetthis]

Perkins was appointed to USCIRF after he consistently advocated for religious minorities. He has testified multiple times before the Congress on matters linked to global religious freedom. One of his more prominent achievements was the successful call of the release of the Sudanese national Meriam Ibrahim. The Sudanese Government sentenced her to death for converting to Christianity from Islam. Perkins closely interacted with lawmakers to overturn the death sentence. He also took the necessary steps for her to take refuge in the United States.

Perkins, in a statement, said that he was grateful to McConnell for the prestigious appointment. He assured that he will do his best to ensure that the Government of the United States will be a prominent defender of global religious freedom. He continued "It is my hope that through the work of USCIRF, the world will become one step closer to recognizing the vital role religious freedom and the defense of religious minorities play in peace, security and human flourishing."

He has personally met with several world leaders like President Al-Sisi of Egypt, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Jimmy Morales, the President of Guatemala. The purpose of these interactions is to advance the concept of religious freedom in those countries and around the world.

For an already insane administration this is truly beyond the pale. Tony Perkins is a HATE GROUP leader. There is no way he can represent us or our values on the international stage. https://t.co/XGn38XSqSb
— Ellie Langford (@ELangfordDC) May 15, 2018

Critics have denounced his appointment. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has expressed disappointment on the issue. The Southern Poverty Law Center has termed the FRC as a hate group. The FRC has given its weight to the idea that religious freedom should permit individuals to discriminate against the LGBTQ people. Seculars have pointed out the FRC has tried multiple times to sabotage every positive move on LGBTQ rights, starting from the non-discrimination laws to about marriage equality rights. It is natural that the strongest condemnation of his appointment came from LGBTQ rights groups. They said other than LGBTQ, he harbors deeply disturbing views concerning Islam. Perkins is a long time vocal supporter of President Donald Trump.