Every week, we highlight stories on extremism and the radical right from the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project. Here are stories that caught our attention through March 1.
Every week, we highlight stories on extremism and the radical right from the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Intelligence Project. Here are stories that caught our attention through March 1.
On Feb. 20, the anti-LGBTQ+ hate group Family Research Council (FRC) released a report it claimed showed an increase in “acts of hostility” at U.S. churches in 2023. Public comments by the group’s president, Tony Perkins, since the release suggest FRC is using attacks on LGBTQ+ and Black Christians to pad its claims about liberal policy threats to “religious freedom.” Despite attacks on LGBTQ+-affirming churches representing nearly 20% of the total incidents documented by FRC, Perkins and others at FRC have cited the report as evidence that LGBTQ+ civil rights policies are threatening Christians’ safety in their houses of worship.
More than 18 million people have viewed Carlson’s post on X, with the company’s owner Elon Musk reposting the video. X under Musk has given a platform to certain far-right and fringe figures previously suspended on the site.
Anti-immigrant messaging from state and federal politicians has emboldened antigovernment groups and hard-right actors in Eagle Pass, Texas, and at other sites on the southern border.
Now, more than ever, we must work together to protect the values that ensure a fair and inclusive future for all.