Family Research Council

About

The Family Research Council (FRC) is an American evangelical nonprofit organization and think tank established in 1981 by James Dobson. It advocates for what it defines as family values and actively opposes issues such as pornography, embryonic stem-cell research, abortion, divorce, and various LGBT rights, including anti-discrimination laws, same-sex marriage, and adoption by same-sex couples. The FRC has faced significant criticism from media outlets and professional organizations like the American Sociological Association for using what they describe as "anti-gay pseudoscience" to falsely link homosexuality with pedophilia and to claim that children of same-sex parents experience higher rates of mental health issues.

FRC is a member of the advisory board of Project 2025

Tax status

In 2020, the Family Research Council (FRC) requested the IRS to classify it as an "association of churches," a status that was subsequently approved. To obtain this designation, the FRC had to assert that it conducts weddings, baptisms, and funerals. While it remains a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, this new classification allows the FRC to avoid public scrutiny, as it is no longer required to file an annual Form 990 with the IRS. This change has implications for transparency regarding its operations and financial activities.

Family Research Council Building - APK, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill:

Initially part of Dobson's Focus on the Family, the FRC became an independent entity in 1992. Currently led by Tony Perkins, the organization also has a lobbying arm called FRC Action. The FRC's influence extends beyond the U.S.; in 2010, it was reported to have paid lobbyists concerning anti-LGBT legislation in Uganda, which later led to the controversial Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill. In 2010, the Southern Poverty Law Center designated the FRC as an anti-LGBT hate group, citing its reliance on discredited research to undermine LGBT civil rights. This designation was linked to a violent incident in 2012 when a gunman attacked the FRC's headquarters, injuring a security guard.

Josh Duggar

Josh Duggar was involved with the Family Research Council (FRC) through his role as the executive director of FRC Action, the lobbying arm of the organization, from 2013 until 2015. In this capacity, he promoted the FRC's conservative agenda, particularly regarding family values and opposition to LGBT rights. However, Duggar's reputation became marred by legal issues when he was convicted in December 2021 on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. His conviction drew significant media attention and led to widespread criticism of his past affiliations, including his work with the FRC, highlighting the contrast between his public advocacy and private actions.