Skip to content
Transgender Map by Andrea James

Translate

Choose a language to read this site translated by Google. Translations are automatic, so some wording will be imperfect.

Alliance Defending Freedom vs. transgender people

by Andrea James Reviewed October 1, 2026 11 min read

Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is a conservative Christian legal ministry that supports and defends many opponents of transgender rights. ADF is an SPLC-designated anti-trans hate group.

Background

Alliance Defending Freedom was founded in 1993 as the Alliance Defense Fund. It has since grown into one of the most influential anti-trans organizations. ADF is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona and has several offices, including in Washington, DC and New York City.

Several influential political figures have been affiliated with ADF, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Josh Hawley, former Vice President Mike Pence, Vernadette Broyles, former Attorneys General Jeff Sessions and William Bar, and Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

Anti-transgender activism

Trans athletes

  • ADF has worked with the American College of Pediatricians (ACP) to use ACP’s medical misinformation as evidence in legal procedings and in public policy.
  • ADF collaborated with ACP on drafting state legislation to ban transgender athletes. ADF’s lawsuit in Connecticut failed.
  • The child of ADF’s general counsel made filings against Arizona transgender athletes.

Sex segregation

  • ADF authored model legislation for bathroom bills in the United States.

Employment law

  • ADF lost 2020 Supreme Court case R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc. v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. ADF defended a funeral home that fired a trans employee.

Misgendering/deadnaming cases

  • Represented a teacher who refused to use accurate pronouns and names of transgender students.
  • Represented a college professor who refused to use students’ accurate pronouns, against policies supporting student rights to a discrimination-free learning environment.

Youth healthcare

  • Misinformed the Ohio legislature about gender affirming care for youth

2017 strategy meetings

Sometime before October 24, 2017, ADF held strategy meetings in Arizona led by ADF lawyers Gary S. McCaleb and Jeffrey Alan Shafer. These were pivotal in recruiting “experts” to create anti-trans research and testify in legal cases involving transgender rights and healthcare.

Confirmed attendees included:

Unconfirmed attendees included:

  • Ryan T. Anderson (per leaked ACPeds minutes listing “Ryan T.”)
  • Allan Josephson (in later testimony Paul Hruz stated we “first met and became experts… at a conference sponsored by the Alliance Defending Freedom”)
  • Stephen B. Levine (in later testimony Patrick Lappert stated “if you were to tell me that Dr. Levine was at that conference I wouldn’t argue with you about it.”)

As deeply reported by Zinnia Jones:

In Kadel v. Folwell, recently decided in favor of coverage of gender-affirming care for North Carolina state employees, Hruz and Lappert described their meetings with the ADF (Deposition of Paul Hruz, 29 September 2021, and deposition of Patrick Lappert, 30 September 2021).

Detransitioned Women Resist the ADF

On November 19, 2017, a group called Detransitioned Women Resist the ADF posted a notice about ADF’s attempts to recruit ex-trans activists for lawsuits.

Signatories were:

Founders

  • Bill Bright
  • Larry Burkett
  • James C. Dobson
  • D. James Kennedy
  • Marlin Maddoux
  • William Pew
  • Alan Sears

Leadership

  • Ryan Bangert Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Special Counsel to the President
  • Lance Bauslaugh Senior Vice President of Development
  • Jim Campbell Chief Legal Counsel
  • Paul Coleman Executive Director, ADF International
  • Ali Kilmartin Senior Counsel, Chief of Staff to CEO, President and General Counsel
  • Jeremy Tedesco Senior Counsel, Senior Vice President of Corporate Engagement
  • Mark Tjernagel Executive Vice President
  • Kristen Waggoner CEO, President, and General Counsel
  • Don Ziel Senior Vice President of Church & Ministry Alliance and Assistant General Counsel

Attorneys

Senior Leadership

  • Kristen Waggoner CEO, President, and General Counsel
  • Jim Campbell Chief Legal Counsel
  • Ryan Bangert Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives & Special Counsel to the President
  • Don Ziel Senior Vice President of Church & Ministry Alliance and Assistant General Counsel

Senior Counsel +

  • Ali Kilmartin Senior Counsel, Chief of Staff to CEO, President and General Counsel
  • Jeremy Tedesco Senior Counsel, Senior Vice President of Corporate Engagement
  • Paul Coleman Executive Director, ADF International
  • Nathaniel Bruno Senior Counsel, Vice President of Blackstone Strategic Engagement
  • John Bursch Senior Counsel, Vice President of Appellate Advocacy
  • Timothy D. Chandler Senior Counsel, Vice President of Church & Ministry Alliance Engagement & Strategic Projects
  • David A. Cortman Senior Counsel, Vice President of U.S. Litigation
  • Andrew D. Graham Senior Counsel, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Strategic Affairs
  • Brett Harvey Senior Counsel, Vice President of Client and Alliance Engagement
  • Erin Morrow Hawley Senior Counsel, Vice President of the Center for Life & Regulatory Practice
  • Emilie Kao Senior Counsel, Vice President of Advocacy Strategy
  • Jonathan Scruggs Senior Counsel, Vice President of Litigation Strategy
  • Kate Anderson Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Parental Rights
  • Erik Baptist Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Life
  • Gregory S. Baylor Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Religious Schools
  • Matt Bowman Senior Counsel, Director of Regulatory Practice
  • Kellie Fiedorek Senior Counsel, Government Affairs Director
  • Hal Frampton Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Conscience Initiatives
  • Tyson Langhofer Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Academic Freedom
  • Jordan Lorence Blackstone, Of Counsel
  • Zack Pruitt Senior Counsel, Director of U.S. Government Relations
  • Phil Sechler Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Free Speech
  • Matt Sharp Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Public Policy
  • Andrew Spangenberg Director of Allied Legal Affairs
  • Ryan Tucker Senior Counsel, Director of the Center for Christian Ministries
  • Katie Vizzerra Senior Counsel, Director of Blackstone Alumni
  • Valerie Londono Senior Counsel, Church and Ministry Alliance Deputy Director

Senior Counsel

  • Bradley Abramson
  • Travis Barham
  • Julie Marie Blake
  • Roger G. Brooks
  • Denise Burke
  • Greg Chafuen
  • Caleb Dalton
  • Alexandra Gaiser
  • Jeremiah Galus
  • Tim Garrison
  • Rory Gray
  • Brian Knight
  • Caroline C. Lindsay
  • Mark Lippelmann
  • Bryan Neihart
  • Chris Schandevel
  • Noel Sterett
  • Kevin Theriot
  • Natalie Thompson
  • Vincent Wagner
  • Jake Warner Senior
  • Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse
  • Lincoln Wilson

Legal Counsel

  • Kathleen Barceleau
  • Suzanne Beecher
  • Abigail Bongiorno
  • Sierra Brown
  • Jordan Carpenter
  • Rosemary Cochrane
  • David Demirbilek
  • Andrea Dill
  • Jared Dobbs
  • Daniel Grabowski
  • Mathew Hoffmann
  • Kristi Kisley
  • Julia Payne Koon
  • Mercer Martin
  • Gabriella McIntyre
  • Noah Nash
  • Sara Beth Nolan
  • Erica O’Connell
  • Patrick Piccolo (also Church and Ministry Alliance Deputy Director)
  • Allison Pope
  • Matthew Ray
  • Jacob Reed
  • Ralph Rodriguez
  • Michael Ross
  • Rachel Rouleau
  • Mallory Sleight
  • Logan Spena
  • Sharon Supp
  • Laurence Wilkinson

References

Reed, Erin (May 21, 2025). Alliance Defending Freedom Sues Minnesota To Mandate Trans Discrimination. Erin In The Morning https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/alliance-defending-freedom-sues-minnesota

Scarcella, Mike (July 26, 2024). Web designer wants legal fees for Supreme Court win in free speech, LGBT rights case”. Reuters https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/web-designer-wants-legal-fees-supreme-court-win-free-speech-lgbt-rights-case-2024-07-25/

Cole, David (January 29, 2024). “We Do No Such Thing”: 303 Creative v. Elenis and the Future of First Amendment Challenges to Public Accommodations Laws. The Yale Law Journal. 133 https://www.yalelawjournal.org/forum/we-do-no-such-thing-303-creative-v-elenis-and-the-future-of-first-amendment-challenges-to-public-accommodations-laws

Re, Richard M. (November 29, 2023). Does the Discourse on 303 Creative Portend a Standing Realignment? Notre Dame Law Review Reflection. 99 (67) https://www.law.virginia.edu/node/2171631

Baude, William; Bray, Samuel (November 13, 2023). Proper Parties, Proper Relief. Harvard Law Review. 137 (1) https://harvardlawreview.org/print/vol-137/proper-parties-proper-relief/

Swaine, Jon; Reinhard, Beth (September 27, 2023). Inside the tactics that won Christian vendors the right to reject gay weddings. Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/2023/09/24/alliance-defending-freedom-wedding-lawsuit/

Redden, Molly (September 15, 2023). Inside The Cottage Industry Of ‘Experts’ Paid To Defend Anti-Trans Laws. HuffPost https://www.huffpost.com/entry/paid-experts-defending-anti-trans-law_n_65021a7ee4b01df7c3b6d513

Morrison, Alan B. (September 15, 2023). Standing When You Want It. American Constitution Society https://www.acslaw.org/expertforum/standing-when-you-want-it/

Richer, Alanna Durkin; Slevin, Colleen (July 3, 2023). Legitimacy of ‘customer’ in Supreme Court gay rights case raises ethical and legal flags. AP News https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-gay-rights-lgbtq-website-9c058addfdd581ce0ead81eb59660130

Kruzel, John (July 3, 2023). LGBT rights yield to religious interests at US Supreme Court. Reuters https://www.reuters.com/legal/lgbt-rights-yield-religious-interests-us-supreme-court-2023-07-01/

Lavietes, Matt; Yurcaba, Jo (June 30, 2023). What the Supreme Court’s gay wedding website ruling means for LGBTQ rights. NBC News https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/supreme-courts-gay-wedding-website-ruling-means-lgbtq-rights-rcna92022

Gresko, Jessica (June 30, 2023). The Supreme Court rules for a designer who doesn’t want to make wedding websites for gay couples. AP News https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-gay-rights-website-designer-aa529361bc939c837ec2ece216b296d5

Jones, Zinnia (September 1, 2022). CMA against Florida: Catholic Medical Association members Hruz, Van Meter, and Lappert have worked with Alliance Defending Freedom since 2017 to develop a group of anti-trans expert witnesses. Gender Analysis https://genderanalysis.net/2022/09/cma-against-florida-catholic-medical-association-members-hruz-van-meter-and-lappert-have-worked-with-alliance-defending-freedom-since-2017-to-develop-a-group-of-anti-trans-expert-witnesses/

Lavietes, Matt (April 19, 2022). Professor who wouldn’t use trans student’s pronouns wins $400K settlement. NBC News https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/professor-wouldnt-use-trans-students-pronouns-wins-400k-settlement-rcna24989

Smith, Casey (February 10, 2022). Indiana transgender athlete ban draws increasing pushback. IndyStar https://www.thestar.com/news/world/us/2022/02/10/clarification-us-indiana-legislature-schools-story.html

Staff report (April 25, 2021). Judge tosses suit that sought to block transgender athletes. AP News https://apnews.com/article/sports-e881f5a74c82b931650142dee0e59fd3

Sosin, Kate (October 15, 2020). Amy Coney Barrett Has Ties To an Anti-LGBTQ Hate Group. Ms. Magazine https://msmagazine.com/2020/10/15/amy-coney-barrett-alliance-defending-freedom-adf-lgbtq-hate-group/

Hurley, Lawrence (June 15, 2020). In landmark ruling, Supreme Court bars discrimination against LGBT workers. Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-court-lgbt-idUSKBN23M20N

Ennis, Dawn (February 12, 2020). ADF sues Connecticut for letting trans girls compete in high school sports. Outsports https://www.outsports.com/2020/2/12/21135174/adf-connecticut-federal-lawsuit-transgender-girls-sports-high-school

Chiam, Zhan; Duffy, Sandra; González Gil, Matilda; Goodwin, Lara; Mpemba Patel, Nigel Timothy (2020). Trans Legal Mapping Report 2019: Recognition before the law. ILGA World https://ilga.org/downloads/ILGA_World_Trans_Legal_Mapping_Report_2019_EN.pdf

Anti-trans coverage

Whelan, Ed (July 10, 2023). More on Standing in 303 Creative. National Review https://www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/more-on-standing-in-303-creative/

Barkoukis, Leah (July 7, 2023). ADF Sets the Record Straight After the Left Attempts to Discredit 303 Creative Case. Townhall https://townhall.com/tipsheet/leahbarkoukis/2023/07/07/adf-sets-the-record-straight-on-303-creative-case-n2625413

Sheth, Darpana (July 7, 2023). Myth-busting reactions to the Supreme Court’s decision in 303 Creative v. Elenis | The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE https://www.thefire.org/news/myth-busting-reactions-supreme-courts-decision-303-creative-v-elenis

Whelan, Ed (July 3, 2023). Foolish Arguments Against Standing in 303 Creative—Part 1. National Review https://www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/foolish-arguments-against-standing-in-303-creative-part-1/

Whelan, Ed (July 3, 2023). Foolish Arguments Against Standing in 303 Creative—Part 2. National Review https://www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/foolish-arguments-against-standing-in-303-creative-part-2/

Whelan, Ed (July 3, 2023). Foolish Arguments Against Standing in 303 Creative—Part 3. National Review https://www.nationalreview.com/bench-memos/foolish-arguments-against-standing-in-303-creative-part-3/

Downey, Caroline (June 30, 2023). Correcting the Record on the ‘Fake’ Same-Sex Couple in the 303 Creative Case. National Review https://www.nationalreview.com/news/correcting-the-record-on-the-fake-same-sex-couple-in-the-303-creative-case/

Selected publications by ADF

Atkinson, Grant (May 14, 2025). HHS Report on Gender Dysphoria Exposes Dangers of Ideological Interventions. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/article/hhs-report-on-gender-dysphoria-exposes-dangers-of-ideological-interventions/

Staff (January 21, 2025). 7th Circuit to hear case of Indiana music teacher forced to resign over religious beliefs. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/press-release/7th-circuit-to-hear-case-of-indiana-music-teacher-forced-to-resign-over-religious-beliefs/

Imparato, Liana (December 18, 2024). ‘No One Protected Me’: Laura Becker Shares Her De-Transition Story. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/article/no-one-protected-me-laura-becker-shares-her-de-transition-story/

Hobbs, Dustin (December 5, 2024). Major Medical Association Casts Doubt on ‘Gender Transition’ Research. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/article/major-medical-association-casts-doubt-on-gender-transition-research/

Staff (December 3, 2024). Legal Brief Highlights ‘Medical, Legal, and Political Scandal’ of Activist Health Care. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/article/legal-brief-highlights-medical-legal-and-political-scandal-of-activist-health-care/

Fiedorek. Kellie (November 26, 2024). Supreme Court Weighs Tennessee’s Ability to Protect Children from Harmful Transition Procedures. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/article/supreme-court-weighs-tennessees-ability-to-protect-children-from-harmful-transition-procedures/

Atkinson, Grant (November 25, 2024). San Jose State Women’s Volleyball Coach Fired for Speaking Out. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/article/san-jose-state-womens-volleyball-coach-fired-for-speaking-out/

Atkinson, Grant (November 19, 2024). Is Protecting Women’s Sports Becoming a Bipartisan Issue? Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/article/is-protecting-womens-sports-becoming-a-bipartisan-issue/

Atkinson, Grant (November 5, 2024). Radical Minnesota Policy Allows Men Into Women’s Prisons. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/article/radical-minnesota-policy-allows-men-into-womens-prisons/

Staff report (). Liam Morrison / L.M. v. Town of Middleborough. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/client/liam-morrison/

Atkinson, Grant (October 14, 2024). Preventable Tragedies: Why De-transitioners Are Suing Doctors. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/article/preventable-tragedies-why-de-transitioners-are-suing-doctors/

Staff report (October 8, 2024). Pennsylvania court rules to protect parents’ fundamental rights / Tatel v. Mt. Lebanon School District. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/press-release/pennsylvania-court-rules-protect-parents-fundamental-rights/

Staff (October 1, 2024). ADF asks CO court to halt school district policy that violates parents’ rights Wailes v. Jefferson County Public Schools. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/press-release/adf-asks-co-court-halt-school-district-policy-violates-parents-rights/

Staff report (September 29, 2020). Doe v. Madison Metropolitan School District. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/case/doe-v-madison-metropolitan-school-district/

Alliance Defending Freedom (January 15, 2020). Statement of Faith. https://adflegal.org/about-us/careers/statement-of-faith

Staff report (October 3, 2018). Thomas v. City Schools of Decatur. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/case/thomas-v-city-schools-decatur/

Staff report (January 13, 2017). ADF to Supreme Court: Uphold policy to protect privacy in restrooms G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/press-release/adf-supreme-court-uphold-policy-protect-privacy-restrooms/

Staff report (June 28, 2010). Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender Pride/Twin Cities v. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/case/gay-lesbian-bisexual-ransgender-pride-twin-cities-v-minneapolis-park-and-recreation-board/

Staff report (June 28, 2010) Court rejects MN activist group’s attempt to ban free speech at public park. Alliance Defending Freedom https://adflegal.org/press-release/court-rejects-mn-activist-groups-attempt-ban-free-speech-public-park/

Resources

GLAAD Accountability Project (glaad.org/gap)

Southern Poverty Law Center (splcenter.org)

SourceWatch (sourcewatch.org)

InfluenceWatch (influencewatch.org)

Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)

Alliance Defending Freedom (adflegal.org)

ADF Media (adfmedia.org)

Facebook (facebook.com)

X/Twitter (x.com)

Instagram (instagram.com)

YouTube (youtube.com)

Was this helpful?

Support my work!