Rising Concerns Over Human Rights Backlash

A growing movement in the UK is targeting human rights protections, specifically reproductive freedoms, abortion access, and the rights of LGBTI individuals. Analysis has revealed a network of organizations working to undermine these protections and spread what is described as shame and fear.

Researchers have mapped the activities and finances of 65 anti-rights groups operating across the UK. Many of these groups have emerged since 2015, and extensive analysis was conducted on 32 of them.

Influence of US-Based Organizations

The Alliance for Defending Freedom (ADF), a Christian group involved in the reversal of Roe v Wade in the United States, established a UK branch in 2015. The ADF advocates for laws and policies restricting abortion access and LGBTI rights, and has been involved in defending individuals charged with breaching Safe Access Zones around abortion clinics. The ADF’s expenditure in the UK increased by 187% between 2019 and 2023, reaching £3.9 million.

Promotion of ‘Conversion Therapy’

At least 12 groups in the UK are promoting so-called ‘conversion therapy,’ a practice aimed at altering or suppressing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Spending related to this practice is reportedly increasing at a faster rate than other areas examined in the research. The UK government announced plans to ban conversion therapy in July 2024, but legislation has not yet been enacted.

Goals of Anti-Rights Groups

Anti-rights groups are seeking to restrict expressions of love and limit individual choices regarding bodily autonomy. Their aims include rolling back gender rights and potentially criminalizing lesbian, gay, trans, and bisexual individuals.

Call to Action

The research aims to expose the activities of these groups and encourage collective action to protect human rights. The analysis emphasizes that these freedoms are universal and that challenges to one person’s rights can impact everyone.