Late Friday, and reported today by LGBTQ Nation, former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell joined the American Center for Law and Justice as a Special Advisor for National Security and Foreign Policy. The PPP-Funded anti-LGBTQ group, founded by anti-LGBTQ televangelist Pat Robertson, has a long history of anti-LGBTQ actions and opposition to LGBTQ rights, including advocating for criminalizing homosexuality abroad in direct conflict with Grenell’s ostensible work leading Trump’s failed decriminalization initiative. In response, HRC President Alphonso David issued the following statement:

“‘Gaslight Grenell’ strikes again. From ridiculously and errantly calling Trump the ‘most pro-gay president in history’ to now joining the anti-LGBTQ American Center for Law and Justice, it’s clear ‘Gaslight Grenell’ has absolutely no backbone and no regard for the rights of LGBTQ people.

“‘Gaslight Grenell’ is now propping up an organization infamous for working in Africa to criminalize homosexuality and put LGBTQ people in prison for being who they are. He is working for an organization founded by a man that said allowing people like Grenell to join the Boy Scouts would be letting in ‘predators’ and ‘pedophiles’ who could not be ‘good role models.’ ‘Gaslight Grenell’ has no basis in reality to claim himself a ‘spokesperson’ for any segment of our community. Voters will not be fooled by his role as a Trump messenger. ‘Gaslight Grenell’, like Trump, is divorced from reality. It’s no wonder they seem to get along so well.”

BACKGROUND

Here are some basic facts about Pat Robertson and the American Center for Law and Justice:

1. Pat Robertson blamed the COVID-19 pandemic on marriage equality
2. Pat Robertson said Boy Scouts of America welcoming LGBTQ scouts would open scouts to “predators” and “pedophiles.”
3. ACLJ filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court on behalf of Boy Scouts Of America saying “Men who by word or deed condone homosexuality cannot, therefore, be good role models.”
4. Then-ACLJ leader Jay Sekulow said “ judges who uphold marriage equality were ‘flouting the laws of our country, and condescending to every major religious tradition in the world.’”
5. ACLJ was described as “the key organization involved in ensuring African constitutions and laws criminalize homosexuality.”
6. ACLJ called the celebration of Harvey Milk Day a “pro-homosexual indoctrination program”

ACLJ filed suit against the city of Louisville challenging an ordinance that prohibited discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. The ordinance was upheld by the court.