American Family Association: overview, history, positions, and influence

Activities and media

Over decades the organization has developed several channels for outreach. It operates talk radio programming and a national radio network that distributes commentary, news and religious programming. The AFA also issues public statements, organizes boycotts and petition drives, and encourages supporters to contact elected officials. For information about its religious orientation see Christian conservative.

Positions and campaigns

The AFA takes conservative stances on social issues. Its public positions have included opposition to same-sex marriage, opposition to abortion, and criticism of cultural trends it views as hostile to traditional family structures. The organization also addresses related topics such as media content, education and religious liberty. Its advocacy methods have included advertising, letter-writing campaigns and consumer boycotts. See a summary of issues at policy overview.

History and leadership

The group was founded in the late 1970s and has been active in American public debates since that time. It was established by a small cadre of religious leaders and supporters and grew in profile through national media outreach. Leadership has remained closely associated with its founding community; for historical context consult organizational history.

Criticism and public response

The AFA has been a polarizing presence. Supporters praise its defense of religious freedom and family-oriented policies; critics fault its positions on LGBT rights and reproductive choice and accuse it of promoting intolerance. Various civil-society organizations and commentators have criticized statements and campaigns by the AFA, while the group and its backers frame their work as promoting conscience rights and moral values. For different perspectives see criticisms and responses from supporters.

Organization and public role

Today the AFA remains active in advocacy and media and continues to influence segments of conservative Christian constituencies through radio, online outreach and local organizing. Its base is centered in Mississippi but its campaigns aim for national impact. For contact and location details see organizational contact.

Note: This article summarizes broadly reported facts about the group and its public positions. It does not exhaust the full history or list of activities, and readers seeking official statements should consult the organization’s own publications.