https://illinoisfamily.tv/videos/watch/5df4b947-02ac-4ed3-bdb0-f7ab5df319d2 Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, testified before a House Judiciary hearing examining the influence of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). His testimony centered on the argument that the SPLC has shifted from combating genuine hate groups to targeting Christian and conservative organizations through politically motivated labeling practices. Perkins focused heavily on the 2012 attack at Family Research Council headquarters in Washington, D.C. He recounted how gunman Floyd Corkins entered the building intending mass violence and later told investigators he learned about FRC through the SPLC website and its “hate map.” Perkins argued the SPLC’s public designation of FRC as a hate group contributed to an environment that encouraged hostility toward his organization. He argued that the SPLC’s “hate map” and related labeling efforts extend beyond public rhetoric and have real-world consequences. According to Perkins, media organizations, corporations, schools, and government agencies have used SPLC materials to marginalize, deplatform, or isolate conservative and religious organizations. He cited examples including financial services, educational resources, and government training programs that relied on SPLC classifications. Perkins also contended that SPLC standards are inconsistently applied. He argued the organization labels mainstream Christian and conservative groups as hateful while not similarly classifying other organizations or movements that have been linked to extremist rhetoric or violence. He presented this as evidence that the labels function more as political tools than objective standards. He concluded by urging policymakers and government agencies to reconsider using SPLC material in public policy, law enforcement training, and educational settings. He argued that government institutions should not rely on private organizations to determine which viewpoints are acceptable in public discourse. Sat, 30 May 2026 13:54:50 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://illinoisfamily.tv https://illinoisfamily.tv/client/assets/images/icons/icon-1500x1500.png https://illinoisfamily.tv/videos/watch/5df4b947-02ac-4ed3-bdb0-f7ab5df319d2 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://illinoisfamily.tv/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.