| Revision as of 02:25, 29 August 2014 editElizium23 (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers66,953 edits Reverted 5 edits by Masioka (talk): Serious problems with WP:NPOV. Discuss any further changes on talk page please. (TW)← Previous edit | Revision as of 02:31, 29 August 2014 edit undoMasioka (talk | contribs)67 edits restoring sourced information, please cite any specific problems and Ill address themNext edit → | ||
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| | Non-profit_logo = | | Non-profit_logo = | ||
| | founded_date = 1997 | | founded_date = 1997 | ||
| | location = ],<ref name=bfplo>{{cite web|last1=Fedar|first1=J. Lester|title=Conservative Group Delays “Pro-Life Olympics” In Moscow Over Ukraine|quote="A global coalition opposing LGBT and abortion rights"|url=http://www.buzzfeed.com/lesterfeder/conservative-organization-indefinitely-delays-pro-life-olymp#1meeit2|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref> USA | |||
| | location = ], Illinois, USA | |||
| | area_served = | | area_served = | ||
| | key_people = International Secretary, ] | | key_people = International Secretary, ] | ||
| | non-profit_slogan = To stand up for traditional families | | non-profit_slogan = To stand up for traditional families | ||
| | homepage = | | homepage = | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| The '''World Congress of Families''' (WCF) is a coalition of conservative groups opposed to ] and ].<ref name=bfplo/><ref name=bfwcf>{{cite web|last1=Di Stefano|first1=Mark|title=World Congress Of Families Throws Support Behind Anti-Gay Marriage Summit In Australian Parliament|url=http://www.buzzfeed.com/markdistefano/wcf-comes-to-canberra|publisher=Buzzfeed|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Davidson|first1=Kevin|title=Kevin Andrews books out parliament room for anti-gay marriage conference: Social services minister won’t attend ‘strengthening the family’ conference which has links to controversial Christian group|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/27/kevin-andrews-books-parliament-room-anti-gay-marriage-group|publisher=The Guardian|accessdate=29 August 2014|quote=The World Congress of Families is the global conservative Christian organisation which was scheduled to hold a controversial regional event in Melbourne this weekend}}</ref> WCF compromises organizations in several countries, and most of its member partners are strongly active campaigning on ], or specific ] that oppose ].<ref name=bfplo/> | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| WCF is active worldwide and has organized "large international “pro-family” conventions" which according to the ] comprise "the most fringe activists engaged in anti-LGBT extremism."<ref name=lgbtq/> According to the HRC's foundation which is their educational arm, the WCF and its affiliates are "connected to anti-LGBT advocacy in Uganda (see ]), Russia (see ]), Nigeria (see ]), and many other countries."<ref name=lgbtq/> | |||
| The group was formed in 1997, and is considered a ] by the ] for its ] stances and campaigning.<ref name=splchg/> | |||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
| ], President of the ] |
], President of the ], initiated the congress on the basis of article 16c of the ], saying: "The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the state".<ref>{{cite book|last1=Fineman|first1=Martha|last2=Worthington|first2=Karen|title=What Is Right for Children?: The Competing Paradigms of Religion and Human Rights|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=FaKkY0bbuocC&lpg=PA26&ots=VYuBOZjNvy&dq=%22World%20Congress%20of%20Families%22&pg=PA26#v=onepage&q=%22World%20Congress%20of%20Families%22&f=false|year=2009|publisher=Ashgate|isbn=9780754674191|pages=26–28}}</ref> | ||
| ⚫ | According to WCF its purpose is to "stand up for the position of the traditional family, in a time of eroding family life and declining appreciation for families in general". The organization defines "the natural family" as the "union of a man and a woman in a lifelong covenant of marriage" <ref></ref> | ||
| ==Conferences== | |||
| Since 1997 the WCF has held its major conferences in ] (1997) with 700 visitors,<ref> - World Congress of Families</ref> followed by ] (1999)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/nov/12/catholicism.religion|title=That's not faith, that's provocation|last=Urquhart|first=Gordon|date=12 November 1999|work=The Guardian|accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref> with 1600 visitors,<ref> - World Congress of Families</ref> ] (2004) with 3300 visitors,<ref> - World Congress of Families</ref> ] (2007)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2007/may/30/jerryfalwelllivesinpoland|title=Jerry Falwell lives ... in Poland|last=Goldberg|first=Michelle|date=30 May 2007|work=The Guardian|accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref> with 3900 visitors,<ref> - World Congress of Families</ref> ] (2009),<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue2598.html |title=World Congress of Families V to be in Amsterdam |author= |date=8 July 2008 |work=|publisher= Christian Telegraph |accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref> ] (2012),<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/sixth-world-congress-of-families-conference-takes-place-in-madrid-may-25-27/ |title=Sixth World Congress of Families Conference takes place in Madrid May 25-27 |author=Baklinski, Thaddeus |date=23 May 2012 |work=] |publisher= |accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref> and ] (2013).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mormonnewsroom.org.au/article/homage-to-the-home |title=World Congress of Families Starts in Sydney: Why Society Needs Strong Families |author= |date=15 May 2013 |work= |publisher= Mormon News Room|accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref> | Since 1997 the WCF has held its major conferences in ] (1997) with 700 visitors,<ref> - World Congress of Families</ref> followed by ] (1999)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/1999/nov/12/catholicism.religion|title=That's not faith, that's provocation|last=Urquhart|first=Gordon|date=12 November 1999|work=The Guardian|accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref> with 1600 visitors,<ref> - World Congress of Families</ref> ] (2004) with 3300 visitors,<ref> - World Congress of Families</ref> ] (2007)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2007/may/30/jerryfalwelllivesinpoland|title=Jerry Falwell lives ... in Poland|last=Goldberg|first=Michelle|date=30 May 2007|work=The Guardian|accessdate=13 October 2012}}</ref> with 3900 visitors,<ref> - World Congress of Families</ref> ] (2009),<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue2598.html |title=World Congress of Families V to be in Amsterdam |author= |date=8 July 2008 |work=|publisher= Christian Telegraph |accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref> ] (2012),<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/sixth-world-congress-of-families-conference-takes-place-in-madrid-may-25-27/ |title=Sixth World Congress of Families Conference takes place in Madrid May 25-27 |author=Baklinski, Thaddeus |date=23 May 2012 |work=] |publisher= |accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref> and ] (2013).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mormonnewsroom.org.au/article/homage-to-the-home |title=World Congress of Families Starts in Sydney: Why Society Needs Strong Families |author= |date=15 May 2013 |work= |publisher= Mormon News Room|accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref> | ||
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| Prior to the 2013 WCF conference, Sydney politician ] sought that the conference comply with anti-discrimination legislation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/national-news/family-fury-controversial-conference-speakers-anger-gay-community/story-fncynjr2-1226628640009 |title=Family fury: Controversial conference speakers anger gay community |author=Piotrowski, Daniel |date=24 April 2013 |work=] |accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref> One of the reports presented to the conference said that children raised in two-parent families do best at school.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/05/16/18/11/two-parents-give-an-educational-edge |title=Two parents give an educational edge |author= |date=16 May 2013 |work=] |accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref> | Prior to the 2013 WCF conference, Sydney politician ] sought that the conference comply with anti-discrimination legislation.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/national-news/family-fury-controversial-conference-speakers-anger-gay-community/story-fncynjr2-1226628640009 |title=Family fury: Controversial conference speakers anger gay community |author=Piotrowski, Daniel |date=24 April 2013 |work=] |accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref> One of the reports presented to the conference said that children raised in two-parent families do best at school.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/05/16/18/11/two-parents-give-an-educational-edge |title=Two parents give an educational edge |author= |date=16 May 2013 |work=] |accessdate=17 May 2013}}</ref> | ||
| In August 2014 the WCF will hold a regional conference in Melbourne Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.endeavourforum.org.au/articles/articles-general/PosterWCF4.pdf|title=Life, Family and Freedom|work=Endeavour Forum|accessdate=18 July 2014}}</ref> | In August 2014 the WCF will hold a regional conference in Melbourne Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.endeavourforum.org.au/articles/articles-general/PosterWCF4.pdf|title=Life, Family and Freedom|work=Endeavour Forum|accessdate=18 July 2014}}</ref> | ||
| The 2014 WCF conference is scheduled to be held in September in Russia,<ref>http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/02/world-congress-families-russia-gay-rights</ref> however because of the situation in the ] its planning is currently suspended.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/372773850.html|title=Planning for World Congress of Families VIII Suspended|date=25 March 2014|publisher=Christian News Wire|accessdate=5 April 2014}}</ref> | The 2014 WCF conference is scheduled to be held in September in Russia,<ref>http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/02/world-congress-families-russia-gay-rights</ref> however because of the situation in the ] its planning is currently suspended.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/372773850.html|title=Planning for World Congress of Families VIII Suspended|date=25 March 2014|publisher=Christian News Wire|accessdate=5 April 2014}}</ref> They have called their event the "Pro-Life Olympics".<ref name=bfplo/> | ||
| ==Criticism== | ==Criticism== | ||
| The WCF is considered an anti-gay group by the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.splcenter.org/get%20informed/publications/Dangerous%20Liaisons/Criminalizing%20Sex%3A%20Six%20U.S.%20Anti-Gay%20Groups%20Abroad|title=Criminalizing Sex: Six U.S. Anti-Gay Groups Abroad|date=August 2013|work=Dangerous Liaisons|publisher=]}}</ref> The WCF is noted for their opposition to civil rights protections on the basis of ],<ref></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/sexandgender/4996/american_anti-gay_campaign_in_africa_opposes_%E2%80%9Cfictitious_sexual_rights%E2%80%9D/|title=American Anti-Gay Campaign in Africa Opposes "Fictitious Sexual Rights"| date=August 21, 2011|author=Warren Thockmorton|work=Religion Dispatches}}</ref> opposition to ] <ref></ref> and support for anti-gay policies in Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/nom-s-brian-brown-brags-about-supporting-anti-gay-work-abroad|title=NOM’s Brian Brown Brags About Supporting Anti-Gay Work Abroad|author=Peter Montgomery|date=2013-08-21}}</ref> It was condemned by the Senate of Australia in 2014 after several MPs and government ministers announced intending to speak at the conference, and four successive venues refused to host the conference.<ref>{{cite news|title=World Congress of Families conference in chaos as venues decline to host|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/26/world-congress-families-venues-cancel-over-protests|accessdate=28 August 2014|publisher=The Guardian|date=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Senate-condemns-World-Congress-of-Families-Conference|url=http://www.samesame.com.au/news/11313/Senate-condemns-World-Congress-of-Families-Conference|accessdate=28 August 2014|publisher=SameSame|date=28 August 2014}}</ref> | The ] called World Congress of Families (WCF)"one of the most influential groups in America promoting and coordinating the exportation of anti-LGBT bigotry, ideology, and legislation abroad."<ref name=lgbtq>{{cite web|title=HRC report examines World Congress of Families’ anti-gay influence, extremism|url=http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2014/08/hrc-report-examines-world-congress-of-families-anti-gay-influence-extremism/|publisher=LGBTQ Nation|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref> The WCF is considered an anti-gay group by the ].<ref name=splchg>{{cite web|url=http://www.splcenter.org/get%20informed/publications/Dangerous%20Liaisons/Criminalizing%20Sex%3A%20Six%20U.S.%20Anti-Gay%20Groups%20Abroad|title=Criminalizing Sex: Six U.S. Anti-Gay Groups Abroad|date=August 2013|work=Dangerous Liaisons|publisher=]}}</ref> The WCF is noted for their opposition to civil rights protections on the basis of ],<ref></ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/sexandgender/4996/american_anti-gay_campaign_in_africa_opposes_%E2%80%9Cfictitious_sexual_rights%E2%80%9D/|title=American Anti-Gay Campaign in Africa Opposes "Fictitious Sexual Rights"| date=August 21, 2011|author=Warren Thockmorton|work=Religion Dispatches}}</ref> opposition to ] <ref></ref> and support for anti-gay policies in Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/nom-s-brian-brown-brags-about-supporting-anti-gay-work-abroad|title=NOM’s Brian Brown Brags About Supporting Anti-Gay Work Abroad|author=Peter Montgomery|date=2013-08-21}}</ref> | ||
| From their partners listing as of August 2014 WCF lists ], ], and ] which have all been listed as ] by the ], the leading authority on such groups.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thank you to all World Congress Families Partners for your support.|url=http://worldcongress.org/sponsors.htm|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref> Additionally their partner ] started the ] in 2005 to oppose the ]'s ] which protests against ].<ref></ref> | |||
| It was condemned by the Senate of Australia in 2014 after several MPs and government ministers announced intending to speak at the conference, and four successive venues refused to host the conference.<ref>{{cite news|title=World Congress of Families conference in chaos as venues decline to host|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/26/world-congress-families-venues-cancel-over-protests|accessdate=28 August 2014|publisher=The Guardian|date=26 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Senate-condemns-World-Congress-of-Families-Conference|url=http://www.samesame.com.au/news/11313/Senate-condemns-World-Congress-of-Families-Conference|accessdate=28 August 2014|publisher=SameSame|date=28 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 02:31, 29 August 2014
| Founded | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Location |
|
| Key people | International Secretary, Allan C. Carlson |
| Website | www.worldcongress.org/ |
The World Congress of Families (WCF) is a coalition of conservative groups opposed to LGBT rights and abortion. WCF compromises organizations in several countries, and most of its member partners are strongly active campaigning on pro-life, or specific Christian views on marriage that oppose same-sex marriage.
WCF is active worldwide and has organized "large international “pro-family” conventions" which according to the Human Rights Campaign comprise "the most fringe activists engaged in anti-LGBT extremism." According to the HRC's foundation which is their educational arm, the WCF and its affiliates are "connected to anti-LGBT advocacy in Uganda (see Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2014), Russia (see Russian LGBT propaganda law), Nigeria (see LGBT rights in Nigeria), and many other countries."
The group was formed in 1997, and is considered a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center for its anti-gay stances and campaigning.
History
Allan C. Carlson, President of the Howard Center for Family, Religion and Society, initiated the congress on the basis of article 16c of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, saying: "The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the state".
According to WCF its purpose is to "stand up for the position of the traditional family, in a time of eroding family life and declining appreciation for families in general". The organization defines "the natural family" as the "union of a man and a woman in a lifelong covenant of marriage"
Since 1997 the WCF has held its major conferences in Prague (1997) with 700 visitors, followed by Geneva (1999) with 1600 visitors, Mexico City (2004) with 3300 visitors, Warsaw (2007) with 3900 visitors, Amsterdam (2009), Madrid (2012), and Sydney (2013).
The meeting in Warsaw in May 2007 was to be addressed by Ellen Sauerbrey, at the time head of the United States Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, which provoked a letter from 19 Members of the European Parliament demanding that she should not go. Ambassador Sauerbrey addressed the opening session of the Warsaw congress which was said to be the largest-ever gathering of international pro-family forces.
The 2009 conference in Amsterdam met with some controversy when the government minister, André Rouvoet addressed the congress despite requests from other Dutch Parliamentarians that he should not do so.
Following initial planning in 2010, in July 2011 the WCF sponsored the Moscow Demographic Summit which formulated a communique calling on governments to develop, "a pro-family demographic policy and to adopt a special international pro-family strategy and action plan aimed at consolidating family and marriage, protecting human life from conception to natural death, increasing birth rates, and averting the menace of depopulation."
In London in 2012 after the WCF were refused permission to hire out the facilities of the Law Society for an event entitled One man. One woman. Making the case for marriage for the good of society, an alternative venue was used.
Prior to the 2013 WCF conference, Sydney politician Alex Greenwich sought that the conference comply with anti-discrimination legislation. One of the reports presented to the conference said that children raised in two-parent families do best at school.
In August 2014 the WCF will hold a regional conference in Melbourne Australia.
The 2014 WCF conference is scheduled to be held in September in Russia, however because of the situation in the Ukraine and Crimea its planning is currently suspended. They have called their event the "Pro-Life Olympics".
Criticism
The Human Rights Campaign called World Congress of Families (WCF)"one of the most influential groups in America promoting and coordinating the exportation of anti-LGBT bigotry, ideology, and legislation abroad." The WCF is considered an anti-gay group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The WCF is noted for their opposition to civil rights protections on the basis of sexual orientation, opposition to same sex marriage and support for anti-gay policies in Russia.
From their partners listing as of August 2014 WCF lists American Family Association, Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, and Family Research Council which have all been listed as anti-gay hate groups by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the leading authority on such groups. Additionally their partner Alliance Defense Fund started the Day of Truth in 2005 to oppose the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network's Day of Silence which protests against harassment of LGBT students.
It was condemned by the Senate of Australia in 2014 after several MPs and government ministers announced intending to speak at the conference, and four successive venues refused to host the conference.
References
- ^ Fedar, J. Lester. "Conservative Group Delays "Pro-Life Olympics" In Moscow Over Ukraine". Retrieved 29 August 2014.
A global coalition opposing LGBT and abortion rights
- Di Stefano, Mark. "World Congress Of Families Throws Support Behind Anti-Gay Marriage Summit In Australian Parliament". Buzzfeed. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
- Davidson, Kevin. "Kevin Andrews books out parliament room for anti-gay marriage conference: Social services minister won't attend 'strengthening the family' conference which has links to controversial Christian group". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
The World Congress of Families is the global conservative Christian organisation which was scheduled to hold a controversial regional event in Melbourne this weekend
- ^ "HRC report examines World Congress of Families' anti-gay influence, extremism". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 29 August 2014.
- ^ "Criminalizing Sex: Six U.S. Anti-Gay Groups Abroad". Dangerous Liaisons. Southern Poverty Law Center. August 2013.
- Fineman, Martha; Worthington, Karen (2009). What Is Right for Children?: The Competing Paradigms of Religion and Human Rights. Ashgate. pp. 26–28. ISBN 9780754674191.
- World Congress of Families: The Natural Family
- Prague 1997: Convening Organizations - World Congress of Families
- Urquhart, Gordon (12 November 1999). "That's not faith, that's provocation". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- Geneva 1999: Convening Organizations - World Congress of Families
- Mexico 2004: Convening Organizations - World Congress of Families
- Goldberg, Michelle (30 May 2007). "Jerry Falwell lives ... in Poland". The Guardian. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
- Warsaw 2007 - World Congress of Families
- "World Congress of Families V to be in Amsterdam". Christian Telegraph. 8 July 2008. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
- Baklinski, Thaddeus (23 May 2012). "Sixth World Congress of Families Conference takes place in Madrid May 25-27". LifeSiteNews. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
- "World Congress of Families Starts in Sydney: Why Society Needs Strong Families". Mormon News Room. 15 May 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
- European leftists attack World Congress of Families - Catholic World News
- "Largest-Ever Gathering of International Pro-Family Forces Opens in Warsaw Poland". LifeSiteNews. 11 May 2007. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
- Commentary: Exporting "Traditional Values", Political Research Associates
- "Jacobs finds support for international pro-family and pro-life movement in Moscow". World Congress of Families. 13 December 2010. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- "Moscow Demographic Summit Ends with Demand for Governments to Adopt a 'Pro-Family Demographic Policy'". Christian News Wire. 7 July 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- Heterosexual marriage? I’m sorry, you can’t discuss that, Christina Odone, The Telegraph
- "Law Society prevents free speech". Evangelical Times Newspaper. July 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
- Piotrowski, Daniel (24 April 2013). "Family fury: Controversial conference speakers anger gay community". News Limited. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
- "Two parents give an educational edge". Ninemsn. 16 May 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
- "Life, Family and Freedom" (PDF). Endeavour Forum. Retrieved 18 July 2014.
- http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2014/02/world-congress-families-russia-gay-rights
- "Planning for World Congress of Families VIII Suspended". Christian News Wire. 25 March 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
- WORLD CONGRESS OF FAMILIES DISMAYED BY OBAMA DECISION TO SIGN UN “HOMOSEXUAL SPECIAL RIGHTS” STATEMENT
- Warren Thockmorton (August 21, 2011). "American Anti-Gay Campaign in Africa Opposes "Fictitious Sexual Rights"". Religion Dispatches.
- Attack On Traditional Marriage
- Peter Montgomery (2013-08-21). "NOM's Brian Brown Brags About Supporting Anti-Gay Work Abroad".
- "Thank you to all World Congress Families Partners for your support". Retrieved 29 August 2014.
- Day of Dialogue website
- "World Congress of Families conference in chaos as venues decline to host". The Guardian. 26 August 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
- "Senate-condemns-World-Congress-of-Families-Conference". SameSame. 28 August 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2014.