Moms for Liberty, a conservative organization that has gained significant influence in the past two years, has recently been labeled as an anti-government extremist hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The group, which claims to fight for parental rights, has been accused of engaging in anti-student inclusion activities and opposing public health regulations for COVID-19.[0] Additionally, Moms for Liberty has been criticized for its opposition to LGBTQ+ and racially inclusive school curriculum, as well as advocating for book bans. The SPLC’s designation of the group as an extremist organization has sparked controversy and debate.[1]
Last month, Vice reported on the ties between Moms for Liberty and the Proud Boys, a far-right hate group. However, former President Donald Trump disagreed with this assessment and spoke out in support of Moms for Liberty at a conference.[2] Trump criticized the “radical left” for labeling Moms for Liberty as a hate group and instead praised its members as “joyful warriors” and “fierce patriots.”[2] This endorsement from Trump highlights the growing influence of Moms for Liberty within the conservative movement.
Despite its claims to fight for parental rights, Moms for Liberty is better known for its opposition to various policies and initiatives. The group is against COVID-19 health precautions, such as mask mandates and quarantine requirements, as well as the contents of school libraries and educational curricula that address topics such as race, sexuality, and gender.[0] Moms for Liberty has gained considerable momentum and has expanded its reach to statehouses across the country, where it hopes to support the passage of anti-LGBTQ bills.
The SPLC’s designation of Moms for Liberty as an extremist antigovernmental group is based on the group’s support for abolishing the federal Department of Education and its accusations that teachers’ unions are responsible for indoctrination.[3] The SPLC, a civil rights organization that tracks domestic extremism, has long been monitoring Moms for Liberty’s activities.
The controversy surrounding Moms for Liberty was further fueled by a reception held at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia to kick off their national summit. The event drew both supporters and protesters, with signs and chants expressing opposing views.[3] The summit itself featured prominent speakers, including former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former governor Nikki Haley, all of whom are Republican presidential candidates in the 2024 election.[4]
The presence of Moms for Liberty in Philadelphia and the content of its summit sparked protests and denunciations. Critics argue that the group promotes hate and intolerance, particularly towards LGBTQ+ individuals.[2] The American Historical Association even urged the Museum of the American Revolution to cancel the event, stating that Moms for Liberty had crossed a boundary by attempting to silence and harass teachers rather than engage in legitimate controversy.[5]
Despite the controversy surrounding Moms for Liberty, the group has established relationships with influential Republican organizations, politicians, and donors, making it a significant force in conservative politics.[6] While Moms for Liberty has stated that it will not endorse any presidential candidates in the upcoming primary, it is meeting with various campaigns and assuming a role as one of the gatekeepers for the 2024 election.[7]
Overall, Moms for Liberty’s rise to prominence has been fueled by its opposition to various policies and initiatives, particularly those related to COVID-19 health precautions, LGBTQ+ and racially inclusive education, and books that the group deems inappropriate. The SPLC’s designation of Moms for Liberty as an extremist hate group has added to the controversy surrounding the organization.[6] Despite the criticism and protests, Moms for Liberty continues to gain influence within the conservative movement and is positioning itself as a significant player in the 2024 election.
0. “Moms for Liberty’s Philadelphia Summit Sees Trump, DeSantis, Haley Pander to Crowd” The Daily Beast, 2 Jul. 2023, https://www.thedailybeast.com/moms-for-libertys-philadelphia-summit-sees-trump-desantis-haley-pander-to-crowd
1. “Elkins Park resident protests Friday’s Moms for Liberty rally in Philly” Glenside Local, 2 Jul. 2023, https://glensidelocal.com/elkins-park-resident-protests-fridays-moms-for-liberty-rally-in-philly
2. “Moms for Liberty emerges as power player in Republican politics” Yahoo! Voices, 3 Jul. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/news/moms-for-liberty-conference-trump-desantis-republican-politics-161516327.html
3. “Protesters denounce start of Moms for Liberty summit in Philadelphia: ‘Hate has no place here’” The Philadelphia Inquirer, 30 Jun. 2023, https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/moms-for-liberty-philadelphia-protests-museum-american-revolution-marriott-20230629.html
4. “Protests erupt as controversial Moms for Liberty annual summit in Philadelphia continues” FOX 29 Philadelphia, 30 Jun. 2023, https://www.fox29.com/news/protests-erupt-as-controversial-moms-for-liberty-arrive-in-philadelphia-for-annual-summit
5. “Trump’s Motorcade Heckled at Moms for Liberty Event: ‘Traitor'” Newsweek, 1 Jul. 2023, https://www.newsweek.com/trumps-motorcade-heckled-moms-liberty-event-traitor-1810276
6. “Moms for Liberty’s Conference Infiltrated by Activists Calling Out Its Hate” Advocate.com, 30 Jun. 2023, https://www.advocate.com/news/moms-for-liberty-agenda-pac
7. “Trump, DeSantis court MAGA parents at Moms for Liberty bash – POLITICO” POLITICO, 30 Jun. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/30/trump-desantis-white-house-hopefuls-court-maga-moms-at-moms-for-liberty-bash-00104474
