The Family Research Council (FRC) is an influential conservative Christian group and lobbying organization in the United States, known for its advocacy on issues related to traditional family values and religious liberty. Established in 1983, the FRC has played a significant role in shaping [[conservative]] discourse and policy in the U.S. The FRC was founded by James Dobson, a psychologist and Christian evangelical author who also founded Focus on the Family, another well-known conservative Christian organization. The FRC was initially conceived as a division of Focus on the Family, but it became a separate entity in 1992. Over the years, the FRC has maintained close ties with other conservative Christian organizations and has been a leading voice in the Christian right, a politically and socially conservative Christian movement. The FRC has been headquartered in Washington D.C. since 1992, which has allowed it to be actively involved in lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill. The organization has consistently pushed for policies and legislation that align with its conservative Christian beliefs, particularly in areas such as abortion, same-sex marriage, religious liberty, and education. In terms of its organizational structure, the FRC is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations from supporters. It has a president who serves as the organization's chief executive officer, and a board of directors that provides governance and oversight. The president of the FRC is Tony Perkins, a former Louisiana state representative who has been with the organization since 2003. ## FRC Controversies The FRC has been involved in a number of high-profile political and social issues over the years. For instance, it has been a vocal opponent of abortion, arguing for the rights of the unborn and supporting legislation that restricts or bans abortion. The FRC has also been a prominent critic of same-sex marriage, advocating for what it describes as the traditional definition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman. More recently, the FRC has been involved in debates around religious liberty, arguing that individuals and businesses should have the right to act in accordance with their religious beliefs, even when these beliefs conflict with anti-[[discrimination]] laws. In addition to its advocacy and lobbying efforts, the FRC also conducts research and produces publications on a variety of topics related to its mission and values. This includes research on family structures, sexuality, bioethics, and religious liberty, among other topics. The FRC also hosts events and conferences that bring together conservative Christian leaders and activists. The FRC has been criticized by progressive groups and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations for its positions on issues such as same-sex marriage and transgender rights. In 2010, the Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit legal advocacy organization known for its [[civil rights]] work, classified the FRC as a hate group due to its dissemination of what the SPLC characterizes as false and demeaning information about LGBTQ+ individuals.