MassResistance

{{Short description|US anti-LGBT activist group}} {{Infobox non-profit | name = MassResistance | image = 240px | caption = | founder = Brian Camenker | type = Political activist | tax_id = 04-3271722 (EIN) | registration_id = | founded = {{Start date|1995|05|08}} | location = Waltham, Massachusetts | coordinates =  | origins = | key_people = Brian Camenker, President | region_served = | products = | services = | method = | revenue = $137,953 (2010)<ref name="990-2010">{{cite web |url=http://dynamodata.fdncenter.org/990s/990search/990.php?ein=043271722&yr=201012&rt=990EO&t9=A | title=2010 IRS Form 990 federal tax return | publisher=Foundation Center | year=2010 | accessdate=October 2, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> | endowment = | num_volunteers = | num_employees = | num_members = | subsid = | owner = | leader_title = President | leader_name = | former_name = Parents' Rights Coalition<ref name="LeBlanc">{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:RHDB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1129F902285FAD98&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Group wages battle against Massachusetts gay culture | date=July 2, 2006 | agency=Associated Press | accessdate=October 2, 2012 | author=LeBlanc, Steve | location=Rutland, VT | newspaper=Rutland Herald}}</ref><br>Article 8 Alliance<ref name=SPLC-18/> | website = {{URL|MassResistance.org}} | dissolved = | footnotes = }}

'''MassResistance''' is an American organization that promotes anti-LGBT and socially conservative positions. The group is designated an anti-LGBT hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center,<ref name="SPLC">{{cite web|title=SPLC|url=https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/anti-lgbt|accessdate=October 14, 2017}}</ref> in part for claims linking LGBT people with pedophilia and zoophilia, and claims that suicide prevention programs aimed at gay youth were created by homosexual activists to normalize and "lure" children into homosexuality.<ref name="SPLC-18" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Active U.S. Hate Groups|url=http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/hate-map#s=MA|publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center|accessdate=2008-10-30}}</ref><ref name="baywindows_shocker">{{cite web|title=Shocker: MassResistance Declared a Hate Group|url=http://www.baywindows.com/shocker-mass-resistance-declared-a-hate-group-72193|last=Jacobs|first=Ethan|date=March 26, 2008|publisher=Bay Windows|accessdate=September 17, 2012}}</ref>

The group's activism takes several forms, including promoting its views via its website, blog, email, lobbying, and voters' guides.<ref name="Hamby" /><ref name="MR-fighting" /> It has also provided support for anti-gay activism in foreign countries such as Taiwan and Australia.<ref>{{Cite web|title=U.S. Hate Group MassResistance Behind Anti-LGBT Activities in Taiwan|url=https://sentinel.tw/us-hate-group-anti-lgbt/|date=2017-01-02|website=Taiwan Sentinel|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-06}}</ref>

MassResistance was founded by Brian Camenker in 1995 as the '''Parents' Rights Coalition''', and in 2003 it changed its name to '''Article 8 Alliance'''. It adopted its current name, MassResistance, in 2006.<ref name="SPLC-18" />

==History== Brian Camenker, a conservative activist in Massachusetts, founded Parents' Rights Coalition in 1995. The name was changed to Article 8 Alliance in 2003 and then to its current name, MassResistance, in 2006. The organization is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.<ref name=SPLC-18>{{cite journal |url= http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-report/browse-all-issues/2010/winter/the-hard-liners |title= 18 Anti-Gay Groups and Their Propaganda |publisher= Southern Poverty Law Center |journal= Intelligence Report |year=2010 |accessdate= October 5, 2012 |author= Schlatter, Evelyn |issue= 140 |quote= Generally, the SPLC's listings of these groups is based on their propagation of known falsehoods—claims about LGBT people that have been thoroughly discredited by scientific authorities—and repeated, groundless name-calling. Viewing homosexuality as unbiblical does not qualify organizations for listing as hate groups.}}</ref>

===Origins=== Camenker's vocal opposition to "the homosexual agenda" began in 1992, when his neighbor showed him a teaching guide that contained what he characterized as "disgusting descriptions of gay sex".<ref name=Levenson/> Camenker was one of several parents who expressed concern to the Newton school committee about a pamphlet provided to teachers for use as background material at Newton's Day Junior High School. The pamphlet listed graphic tips on subjects including safe sex for lesbians.<ref name=Kennedy930113>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BNHB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1026497F4178CF9E&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Parents sparring over sex ed in Newton | date=January 13, 1993 | agency=The Boston Herald | accessdate=October 6, 2012 | author=Kennedy, Helen | last2=Managan | first2= Patricia | location=Boston, MA}}</ref> A short while later, Camenker founded a conservative organization, Newton Citizens for Public Education (NCPE), which opposed a controversial ninth-grade sex education program in Newton. Camenker was accused by Massachusetts Board of Education chairman Martin Kaplan of having ties with Christian right organizations.<ref name=Kennedy930511>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BNHB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=10268E6DE7574B59&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Newton board passes sex education plan | date=May 11, 1993 | agency=The Boston Herald | accessdate=October 6, 2012 | author=Kennedy, Helen | location=Boston, MA}}</ref> Following a vote by the Board of Education that recommended support groups for LGBT students, Camenker expressed concern about harassment of gay students, but stated that direction being taken would "cause more acrimony rather than less". He added, "People should view gays as friends, as Americans, rather than as someone who's different than them".<ref name=Johnson>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BNHB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB0442B84013163&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Controversy in the schools Policy on gays in school draws mixed reviews from students | date=May 19, 1993 | agency=The Boston Herald | accessdate=October 6, 2012 | author=Johnson, Jason B. | location=Boston, MA}}</ref><ref name="Dorni">{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:OCRB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB0442B84013163&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Gay teen support groups ease transition from closet | date=December 3, 1993 | agency=The Orange County Register | accessdate=October 6, 2012 | author=Dorning, Mike}}</ref>

===Parents' Rights Coalition=== Camenker formed the Parents' Rights Coalition on May 8, 1995.<ref name=SPLC-18/><ref name="PRC-Org">{{cite web | url=http://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corp/corpsearch/display_pdf.asp?CORP_DRIVE1/2007/0403/000196154/0001/020502463347_1.pdf | title=Articles of Organization | publisher=Commonwealth of Massachusetts | date=May 8, 1995 | accessdate=October 6, 2012}}</ref> That same year, Camenker, heading the Massachusetts Interfaith Coalition,<ref name="Wetzstein">{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:WSTB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=0EB0F1512DFD3136&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Massachusetts panel backs pro-gay programs in schools – Pushes homosexual 'youth pride' march in Boston | date=May 20, 1995 | agency=The Washington Times | accessdate=October 6, 2012 | author=Wetzstein, Cheryl | location=Washington, D.C.}}</ref> sponsored a bill in Massachusetts requiring school officials to notify parents about sex-education courses. The bill, if passed, would give parents the option to remove their children from those classes.<ref name=Paige951010>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BNHB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=130A817164FCFA98&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Bill for sex-ed notification headed to House for debate | date=October 10, 1995 | agency=The Boston Herald | accessdate=October 6, 2012 | author=Paige, Connie | location=Boston, MA}}</ref><ref name=Paige950404>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BNHB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=1026A2460BBFF75F&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Senate OKs compromise parental-notification bill | date=April 4, 1995 | agency=The Boston Herald | accessdate=October 6, 2012 | author=Paige, Connie | location=Boston, MA}}</ref>

MassResistance has promoted its platform through media appearances and lobbying for laws related to parental rights in public schools. The bills that have been submitted on behalf of MassResistance in the past several years have been consistently rejected by the Joint Judiciary Committee.<ref name=Opinion>{{Cite web | url=http://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/getopn.pl?OPINION=07-1528.01A | title=US Court of Appeals Opinion | date=January 21, 2008 | accessdate=October 5, 2012 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115125035/http://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/getopn.pl?OPINION=07-1528.01A | archivedate=January 15, 2013 }}</ref><ref name=MR-Keyes>{{cite web|title=Two for one: Help stop "Safe Schools Czar" Kevin Jennings – and get historic documentary | url=http://www.massresistance.org/docs/gen/10d/keyes_speech/index.html | publisher=MassResistance|accessdate=October 2, 2012 | quote=Brian Camenker, President of Parents' Rights Coalition (now MassResistance).}}</ref>

Parents' Rights Coalition opposed a Massachusetts public school teacher reading of ''King & King'', a fairy tale involving two married men, to kindergartners. In 2006, they alleged that the school violated a law requiring the school to inform parents of all sex-ed-related material.<ref name=Book>{{Cite web | url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-1261.html | title=Parents May Sue School Over Gay Book | publisher=he Pink News | date =April 25, 2006 | accessdate=October 5, 2012}}</ref> The lawsuit has since been thrown out of Federal Court.<ref name=Opinion />

===Hate group designation=== Since March 2008, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has listed MassResistance as an active anti-gay hate group.<ref name=SPLC-18/><ref name="baywindows_shocker" /><ref name="Dan Aiello">{{cite news|last=Aiello|first=Dan|title=Sister of prop 8 mastermind will run for sacramento superior court judge|newspaper=Sacramento Examiner|date=December 31, 2009}}</ref>

In 1996 MassResistance's leader, Brian Camenker claimed that suicide prevention programs aimed at gay youth were "put together by homosexual activists to normalize homosexuality". MassResistance also asserted that groups such as the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), which support school anti-bullying programs, actually want to "lure children into homosexuality and, very possibly, sadomasochism".<ref name=SPLC-18/>

MassResistance has also insisted that gays were "trying to get legislation passed to allow sex with animals", later adding, "They [gays and lesbians] are pushing perversion on our kids".<ref name=SPLC-18 />

MassResistance has claimed that "gays are dangerous to kids", and have made comments regarding "skyrocketing homosexual domestic violence"<ref name=SPLC-18 /><ref>{{cite web|title=What same-sex "marriage" has done to Massachusetts|last=Camenker|first=Brian|url=http://www.massresistance.org/docs/marriage/effects_of_ssm.html|publisher=MassResistance|accessdate=18 September 2012}}</ref> and called a gay pride event a "depraved" display that featured "a great deal of obviously disturbed, dysfunctional, and extremely self-centered people whose aim was to push their agenda".<ref name=SPLC-18 />

===Political involvement=== In March 2012, MassResistance president Brian Camenker<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/massresistance-homosexual-terror-group-brutal-oppression | title=MassResistance Says America's 'Worldwide Homosexual Terror Group' will bring about 'Brutal Oppression' | publisher=People for the American Way | work=Right Wing Watch | date=April 6, 2012 | accessdate=October 6, 2012 | author=Tashman, Brian}}</ref><ref name="BL120305">{{cite web | url=http://www.blnz.com/news/2012/03/06/Rick_Santorum_Backers_Accuse_Mitt_9292.html | title=Rick Santorum Backers Accuse Mitt Romney Of Advancing Gay Marriage | publisher=Bay Ledger | date=March 5, 2012 | accessdate=October 6, 2012}}</ref><ref name="SGN120406">{{cite web |url=http://www.sgn.org/sgnnews40_14/mobile/page4.cfm |title=Romney is the Gay candidate, Santorum says |publisher=Seattle Gay News |date=April 6, 2012 |access-date=May 21, 2021 |last=Andrew |first=Mike |volume=40 |issue=14 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052346/http://www.sgn.org/sgnnews40_14/mobile/page4.cfm |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the anti-gay organization, Jews and Christians Together, jointly made a series of pre-recorded telephone calls endorsing U.S. presidential candidate Rick Santorum and opposing U.S. presidential candidate Mitt Romney for the Ohio "Super-Tuesday" Republican primary.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://jewsandchristianstogether.org/ | title=Dump Romney | publisher=Jews and Christians Together | accessdate=October 5, 2012 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012033947/http://www.jewsandchristianstogether.org/ | archivedate=October 12, 2012 }}</ref><ref name=Strasser>{{cite web | url=http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2012/03/05/438127/santorum-backers-hit-romney-with-anti-gay-robo-calls-in-ohio/ | title=Santorum Backers Hit Romney with Anti-gay Robo-calls in Ohio | last=Strasser | first=Annie-Rose | website=ThinkProgress | date=March 5, 2012 | accessdate=October 5, 2012}}</ref><ref name=MR-robo>{{Cite web | url=http://www.massresistance.org/docs/gen2/12a/romney_robo_calls/index.html | title=Massive robo-call and email blast of MassResistance material in primary election states: Millions of voters reached! | date=March 12, 2012 |accessdate=October 5, 2012 | publisher=MassResistance}}</ref><ref name="Video-robo">{{cite video | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z_Xp-6n2Yk | title=Pro-Santorum Robo-Call Urges Voters To Vote For Santorum and NOT Romney & Homosexuality | publisher=MSNBC | date=April 12, 2012 | people=Rachel Maddow}}</ref><ref name="LoBasso">{{cite news | url=http://blogs.philadelphiaweekly.com/phillynow/2012/03/07/here-is-the-anti-gay-robocall-that-almost-won-rick-santorum-ohio/ | title=Here Is the Anti-Gay Robocall That Almost Won Rick Santorum Ohio | newspaper=Philadelphia Weekly | date=March 7, 2012 | accessdate=October 6, 2012 | author=LoBasso, Randy | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904073106/http://blogs.philadelphiaweekly.com/phillynow/2012/03/07/here-is-the-anti-gay-robocall-that-almost-won-rick-santorum-ohio/ | archivedate=September 4, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="Posner">{{cite web | url=http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/sarahposner/5764/jews_and_christians_for_santorum/ | title=Jews and Christians for Santorum? | publisher=Religion Dispatches Magazine | date=March 6, 2012 | accessdate=October 6, 2012 | author=Posner, Sarah}}</ref>

A few days after the calls were broadcast, MassResistance's website stated: "As the 2012 presidential primary races are heating up, MassResistance is being called on to expose an important issue that the mainstream media (even Fox News) won't talk about. Millions of emails and robo-calls with MassResistance's information went to voters in key states leading up to Super Tuesday, which likely made a difference, say activists".<ref name=MR-robo/>

===Criticism of FBI and CIA=== In 2012 MassResistance publicly criticized the FBI and CIA for "embracing the homosexual movement". Camenker is critical of the FBI's LGBT program promoted on the FBI's careers website, as well as their involvement with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the CIA's Agency Network of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Employees and Allies (ANGLE).<ref name=MR-FBI>{{cite web | url=http://massresistance.org/docs/gen2/12c/fbi_gay_agenda/index.html | title=While you weren't looking: FBI and CIA embrace homosexual movement. Reaching out to "gay and transgender community". | publisher=MassResistance | date=September 28, 2012 | accessdate=October 12, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/gays-have-taken-over-fbi | title=Gays Have Taken Over the FBI! | publisher=Right Wing Watch | date=October 2, 2012 | accessdate=October 12, 2012 | author=Tashman, Brian}}</ref><ref name=Broverman>{{cite web | url=http://www.advocate.com/politics/washington-dc/2012/10/03/gays-control-fbi-and-cia-according-rightwinger-brian-camenker | title=Gays Control FBI, CIA, Trying to Subvert Christians, Rightwinger Claims | publisher=The Advocate | date=October 3, 2012 | accessdate=October 12, 2012 | author=Broverman, Neal}}</ref><ref name=Schneider>{{cite web | url=http://www.vcyamerica.org/blog/2012/10/01/fbicia-embrace-homosexual-movement | title=FBI/CIA Embrace Homosexual Movement | publisher=Voice of Christian Youth America | date=October 1, 2012 | accessdate=October 12, 2012 | author=Schneider, Jim | archive-date=March 3, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203017/http://www.vcyamerica.org/blog/2012/10/01/fbicia-embrace-homosexual-movement | url-status=dead }}</ref>

According to MassResistance, the FBI actively recruits homosexual and transgender employees and agents. MassResistance is especially critical of the FBI's "outrageous" official partnership with the SPLC.<ref name=MR-FBI/><ref name=Broverman/>

==Positions== MassResistance has maintained conservative social positions on "hot-button" issues such as abortion, assisted suicide, homosexual and transgender rights, gun control, marriage, and other issues.<ref name=MR-deception>{{cite web | url=http://www.massresistance.com/docs/marriage/romney/record/index.html | title=The Mitt Romney Deception | publisher=MassResistance | date=November 20, 2006 | accessdate=October 7, 2012 | author=Camenker, Brian}}</ref> The group monitors changes to LGBT rights legislation in countries as far away as Australia, but focuses most of its efforts on the United States, and especially in Massachusetts.<ref name=MR-home>{{cite web | url=http://www.massresistance.com/ | title=Main page | publisher=MassResistance | accessdate=October 7, 2012 }}</ref><ref name=VoterGuide>{{cite web | url=http://www.comflm.com/id258.html | title=MassResistance Voter Guide | publisher=Commonwealth of Massachusetts Freelance Media Registry | accessdate=October 7, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822202643/http://comflm.com/id258.html | archive-date=August 22, 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=Fargen>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:BNHB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=12E07A65D30E20C8&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Sen Yolks It Up in Southie – Brown salutes his supporters | date=February 21, 2010 | agency=The Boston Herald | accessdate=October 7, 2012 | author=Fargen, Jessica | location=Boston, MA}}</ref>

===Abortion=== MassResistance has expressed strong opposing views about Mitt Romney for his moderate policies on abortion.<ref name=Hamby>{{cite news | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:CWN6&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=13C2AEBA24568550&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Stop-Romney movement sets skirmish lines in South Carolina | date=January 8, 2012 | agency=CNN | accessdate=October 7, 2012 | author=Hamby, Peter}}</ref> During Romney's term as governor of Massachusetts, MassResistance criticized him for his stance on abortion, referring to him as "probably the most pro-abortion and pro-gay rights Republican official in the nation for the last decade".<ref name=Levenson/><ref name=MR-deception/>

In 2012 MassResistance opposed the nomination of Kenneth Salinger to the Massachusetts Superior Court by Governor Deval Patrick, citing Salinger's activist agenda and financial contributions to MoveOn.org and pro-abortion group EMILY's List.<ref name=MR-fighting>{{cite web | url=http://massresistance.com/docs/gen2/12c/Salinger_hearing_0718/index.html | title=Fighting back against nomination of activist lawyer for judgeship in Mass | publisher=MassResistance | date=July 21, 2012 | accessdate=October 7, 2012 }}</ref> MassResistance gave a presentation at a conference hosted by Phyllis Schlafly's Eagle Forum. Camenker spoke to U.S. Representative Todd Akin during the conference, and reflected later on how he "gets it" and how thrilled he was to meet and speak "with a smart, principled, pro-life, pro-family Congressman". After Todd Akin's televised interview in August 2012 in which he claimed that women victims of what he described as "legitimate rape" rarely experience pregnancy from rape and the ensuing backlash, MassResistance commented that "Todd Akin misspoke during a lengthy interview and then apologized and clarified his statement. Given his record, that should be the end of it".<ref name=MR-Akin>{{cite web | url=http://www.massresistance.com/docs/gen2/12c/Akin_0903/index.html | title=My dinner with Todd Akin. His current struggle -- and what it means to you | publisher=MassResistance | date=September 3, 2012 | accessdate=October 7, 2012 | author=Camenker, Brian}}</ref>

===Same-sex marriage=== {{main|Same-sex marriage in Massachusetts}} MassResistance has always maintained staunch opposition to same-sex marriage.<ref name=Hamby/> In its booklet, ''What same-sex 'marriage' has done to Massachusetts'', Camenker characterizes acceptance of same-sex marriage as "a hammer to force the acceptance and normalization of homosexuality on everyone". The organization objects to schools teaching children that same-sex marriages are a normal part of society. They cite "radical" activist judges and "cowardly" politicians as factors in the increasing acceptance of same-sex marriage, and warn the public to fight back.<ref name=MR-SSM120802>{{cite web | url=http://www.massresistance.org/docs/marriage/effects_of_ssm_2012/intro.html | title=MassResistance releases new, updated version of shocking booklet: "What same-sex 'marriage' has done to Massachusetts" | publisher=MassResistance | date=August 2, 2012 | accessdate=October 7, 2012}}</ref><ref name=MR-SSM120731>{{cite web | url=http://www.massresistance.org/docs/marriage/effects_of_ssm_2012/index.html | title=What same-sex 'marriage' has done to Massachusetts | publisher=MassResistance | date=July 31, 2012 | accessdate=October 7, 2012}}</ref>

Massachusetts has permitted same-sex marriage since 2004, and MassResistance has continued to oppose it through political activism. In October 2008, MassResistance mounted a petition campaign for a ballot referendum to reinstate a recently repealed 1913 law to deny Massachusetts marriage licenses to same-sex couples who reside in states that do not recognize same-sex marriage.<ref name=Johnson080816>{{cite web | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:APNS&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=14149ED4798D3EF0&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Gay marriage opponents seek to reverse new law | publisher=Associated Press | date=August 16, 2008 | accessdate=October 12, 2012 | author=Johnson, Glen}}</ref> It failed to gather a sufficient number of signatures.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jacobs|first=Ethan|title=1913 law petition fails|url=http://www.baywindows.com/1913-law-petition-fails-82727|accessdate=July 8, 2013|newspaper=Bay Windows|date=October 30, 2008|archive-date=September 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923182736/http://www.baywindows.com/1913-law-petition-fails-82727|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In June 2024, Uncloseted Media published a multi-part investigative series examining MassResistance's tactics, messaging, and outreach efforts. The series highlighted the group's use of emotionally charged rhetoric and graphic imagery in educational materials, as well as their connections with other far-right organizations in the U.S. and abroad.<ref name="Uncloseted2024a">{{cite news |title=Inside MassResistance: The Anti-LGBT Group Targeting America’s Classrooms |url=https://www.unclosetedmedia.com/massresistance-investigation-part1 |work=Uncloseted Media |date=June 4, 2024 |access-date=August 1, 2025}}</ref> One article also detailed the group's attempts to influence school board elections and public comment sessions by mobilizing affiliated activists to flood local meetings with scripted talking points.<ref name="Uncloseted2024b">{{cite news |title=MassResistance Mobilizes: How the Group Weaponizes School Board Protests |url=https://www.unclosetedmedia.com/massresistance-investigation-part2 |work=Uncloseted Media |date=June 11, 2024 |access-date=August 1, 2025}}</ref>

The reporting prompted responses from civil rights organizations, with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) calling it “a disturbing but critical exposé” on the strategies used to undermine LGBTQ+ protections in education.<ref name="HRC-Response">{{cite press release |title=HRC Responds to Investigative Report on MassResistance |publisher=Human Rights Campaign |url=https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/hrc-responds-massresistance-report |date=June 12, 2024 |access-date=August 1, 2025}}</ref>

In 2025, MassResistance supported North Dakota Bill Tveit Resolution 3013, which called for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges . <ref>{{cite news|url=https://northdakotamonitor.com/2025/03/13/north-dakota-senate-rejects-resolution-opposing-same-sex-marriage/|title=North Dakota Senate rejects resolution opposing same-sex marriage|work=North Dakota Monitor|first=Michael|last=Achterling|date=March 13, 2025|access-date=July 30, 2025}}</ref>

===Anti-bullying=== MassResistance has voiced objections to anti-bullying efforts in Massachusetts, including anti-bullying legislation, in part because of concern that it could "silence criticism of the gay movement".<ref name="Curlin" /> They criticized Mitt Romney's support of the Massachusetts Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth.<ref name="Reinhard">{{cite magazine | title=Romney's Evolving Record on Anti-Gay Bullying | last=Reinhard |first=Beth | magazine=National Journal | date=May 11, 2012 |issn=0360-4217 | publication-place=Washington, DC | publisher=Atlantic Media }}</ref><ref name="Curlin">{{cite news | title=Suicides spur review of bullying measure; Bill would make schools accountable | date=March 15, 2010 | work=The Washington Times | last=Curlin |first=Casey | location=Washington, D.C.}}</ref> MassResistance has characterized efforts to prevent bullying as "a very aggressive, fascist-type movement".<ref name="Moser">{{cite magazine | title=David Barton, Bully for God | last=Moser |first=Bob | magazine=The Texas Observer | date=February 7, 2011 |url=https://www.texasobserver.org/bully-for-god/ |access-date=26 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="WB-110124">{{cite AV media |people=Barton, David (host); Camenker, Brian (guest) | title=Homosexual Indoctrination in Our Public Schools | work=WallBuilders Live! | publication-place=Aledo, TX | publisher=WallBuilders, LLC | date=January 24, 2011 | url=https://wallbuilderslive.com/homosexual-indoctrination-in-our-public-schools/ | access-date=26 October 2023  }}</ref><ref name="MR-counters">{{cite web | url=http://www.massresistance.org/docs/govt09/bully_bills/hearing_111709/index.html | title=MassResistance counters testimony from gay groups, special interests at overflowing public hearing on "anti-bullying" bills in State House | publisher=MassResistance | date=November 23, 2009 | accessdate=October 7, 2012}}</ref>

According to MassResistance, the "homosexual anti-bullying agenda" is exploiting the legitimate problem of school bullying, with the aim of pushing "homosexual-normalization propaganda" at children.<ref name="MR-counters" />

Testifying at a Joint Committee on Education hearing in 2009 that was considering nearly a dozen bills that would address bullying, Brian Camenker of MassResistance "claimed supporters had been brought in by 'special-interest groups' with a gay-rights agenda".<ref name="Szaniszlo">{{cite news | title=Victim's mom lends voice to anti-bully bill | date=November 18, 2009 | work=The Boston Herald | last=Szaniszlo |first=Marie | location=Boston, MA}}</ref> In its written testimony, MassResistance stated that it had filed bill H.1059 in the Massachusetts Legislature{{Elucidate|reason=How can anyone other than a legislator introduce legislation? Is there something about Massachusetts politics we need to know?|date=December 2018}} to repeal the anti-bullying law that the commission was addressing. The testimony suggested adopting a student-run approach to anti-bullying in schools, and concluded that the anti-bullying law was onerous and costly, and should be repealed in favor of a top-down, school-directed solution. It went on to say that homosexual activist groups were behind the law and that the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) had diverged from its role of fighting anti-Semitism.<ref name="MA-testimony">{{citation | url=http://www.mass.gov/ago/docs/community/bullying/submitted-testimony/massresistance-testimony.pdf | title=Written testimony to the Commission on Bullying Prevention | publisher=Commonwealth of Massachusetts | date=February 25, 2011 | accessdate=October 7, 2012 | last=Camenker | first=Brian}}</ref>{{huh|reason=What is the subject in favor of? A "student-run approach" or a "top-down, school directed solution"?|date=December 2018}}

===Transgender identity and rights=== MassResistance opposes laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity.

On Nov. 6, 2018, Massachusetts voters preserved an existing nondiscrimination law by passing the Massachusetts Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Initiative with 68% of the vote, that protects the right of people to access public accommodations based on the gender with which they identify. MassResistance had campaigned unsuccessfully with "highway standouts, leafletting, and some public debates" to strike down the law. The organization posted an article several days later criticizing the campaign efforts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly say "yes" to transgender "bathroom" law. What happened? |url=https://www.massresistance.org/docs/gen3/18d/NoTo3/election-analysis.html |website=MassResistance |accessdate=6 December 2018 |date=9 November 2018}}</ref>

==Activities==

===Fistgate=== In 2000 members of the Parents' Rights Coalition attended a statewide conference, called "Teach-Out", that was sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Education, the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, held at Tufts University.

One student asked about fisting and was provided with an explanation.<ref name=Firestorm>{{cite news|title = Firestorm over GLSEN sex education workshop worsens|url = http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news&id=63595|newspaper = Bay Windows|date = May 25, 2000|first = Laura|last = Kiritsy|accessdate = June 8, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080414171202/http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=news|archive-date = April 14, 2008|url-status = dead|df = mdy-all}} via EBSCOHost accession number [https://web.archive.org/web/20130630140106/http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/15750379/firestorm-over-glsen-sex-education-workshop-worsens 15750379]</ref> MassResistance dubbed the incident "Fistgate" after one of its members "secretly recorded the workshop".<ref name=Fistgate>{{cite web|url = http://www.massnews.com/past_issues/2000/Schools/fistrep.htm|title = The Fistgate Report|accessdate = June 8, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030407022910/http://www.massnews.com/past_issues/2000/Schools/fistrep.htm|archive-date = April 7, 2003|url-status = dead|website = Massachusetts News}}</ref><ref name=Critics>{{cite news|title = Critics contend safe-sex forum far too graphic|newspaper = The Union-News|date = May 17, 2000|accessdate = June 8, 2008|url = http://www.personproject.org/Alerts/States/Massachusetts/controversy.html|archive-date = July 4, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080704113324/http://www.personproject.org/Alerts/States/Massachusetts/controversy.html|url-status = dead}}</ref> A state employee who participated in the discussion filed suit against Camenker and Scott Whiteman as a result of the distribution of the tape recordings.<ref name=Greenberger>{{cite news|title = Educator fired for sex discussion sues to reclaim job|newspaper = The Boston Globe|url = http://www.personproject.org/Alerts/States/Massachusetts/lawsuit.html|first = Scott|last = Greenberger|date = November 28, 2000|accessdate = June 8, 2008|archive-date = August 8, 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080808140624/http://www.personproject.org/Alerts/States/Massachusetts/lawsuit.html|url-status = dead}}</ref> According to ''Bay Windows'', a "Massachusetts Superior Court judge ruled that the tape was illegally acquired and therefore an invasion of privacy against those individuals present, who were never told they were being recorded."<ref>{{cite news|title = GLSEN national poll shows wide support amongst parents for gay youth protections|first = Beth|last = Berlo|date = December 20, 2001|newspaper = Bay Windows|accessdate = October 22, 2017|url = http://www.baywindows.com/glsen-national-poll-shows-wide-support-amongst-parents-for-gay-youth-protections-60097|archive-date = November 19, 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181119060548/http://www.baywindows.com/glsen-national-poll-shows-wide-support-amongst-parents-for-gay-youth-protections-60097|url-status = dead}}</ref> Greg Carmack suggested that the question might have been planted by those making the recordings.<ref>{{cite news|title = Was GLSEN 'fistgate' controversy a contrivance?|first = Greg|last = Carmack|date = August 3, 2000|newspaper = Bay Windows|accessdate = October 22, 2017|url = http://www.baywindows.com/was-glsen-fistgate-controversy-a-contrivance-63681|archive-date = November 19, 2018|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181119053339/http://www.baywindows.com/was-glsen-fistgate-controversy-a-contrivance-63681|url-status = dead}}</ref>

===Disorderly conduct=== In October 2008, MassResistance employee Michael Olivio was arrested for disorderly conduct at a school after parents became concerned about his taking many pictures of their children.<ref name=Patten>{{Cite news | last= Patten| first= Jim | url=http://www.eagletribune.com/punews/local_story_296225932.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730002953/http://www.eagletribune.com/punews/local_story_296225932.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 30, 2012 | title=Man snapping pictures outside school caught after foot chase | newspaper=Eagle-Tribune | location=Andover, Massachusetts | quote=But Michael Olivio's employer has come forward to back up his story. Olivio, 48, works for the anti-gay rights group MassResistance.org. Brian Camenker, head of the group, said Olivio mistakenly went to West Middle School Tuesday to snap pictures instead of the high school. | date=October 23, 2008 | accessdate=October 5, 2012}}</ref> When questioned by police, he explained that he was filming footage for a documentary, but mistook an elementary school for a high school. When asked by police to leave, Olivio began to "act erratically"; he "ran through yards [...] shedding clothing". Camenker supported Olivio's statement that he was working for the MassResistance, but went to the wrong school.<ref name=Patten/>

===Criticism of Mitt Romney=== Camenker first voiced concerns about Mitt Romney in 1994, when Romney unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate on a platform supporting gay rights and abortion rights. According to Camenker, "Romney is a RINO, a Republican In Name Only".<ref name=Levenson/>

In April 2006, MassResistance tried to pressure Romney into ending a state advisory commission on LGBT youth. Romney instead ordered the commission to focus on suicide prevention among gay and lesbian teens.<ref name=Leblanc>{{Cite news | last=Leblanc | first=Steve | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:SUNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=116B50509E2A4A40&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | title=Activist slams Romney over issue record | newspaper=The Republican | location = Springfield, MA | date=January 13, 2007 }}</ref>

In November 2006, Camenker released a 28-page report critical of Romney's sympathetic positions on gay rights and portraying him as a social liberal. The report focused on Romney's term as governor of Massachusetts and his peripheral involvement with social issues such as gay rights and abortion. Camenker wrote that "the biggest problem is that Romney is so clearly and blatantly faking this. He's a fraud", suggesting that Romney was merely pandering to special interests.<ref name=MR-deception /><ref name=Leblanc/>

In January 2007, Romney's campaign issued a press release critical of Camenker for MassResistance's "Mitt Romney Deception" report.<ref name=Levenson>{{cite news | last=Levenson |first=Michael | url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:AWNB:DSNB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=116D9540C2F3C490&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0FB3382EE6AD1E46 | work=The Boston Globe | title=Activist rains on Romney's parade | date=January 22, 2007 | accessdate=October 5, 2012}}</ref> Romney's campaign removed the press release from its site, but MassResistance continued to display it on their own site, and they issued their own press release as well.<ref name=MR-070112>{{Cite web | url=http://www.massresistance.org/docs/marriage/romney/press_release_011207.html | title=Mitt Romney Campaign's press release attacking Brian Camenker | publisher=MassResistance | date=January 12, 2007 | accessdate=October 5, 2012}}</ref> Romney responded in defense of his conservative record as governor that he was "as staunch a defender as anyone in the country" of traditional marriage, and opposition to abortion and stem cell research.<ref name=Leblanc/>

==References== {{reflist|2}}

==External links== *[http://www.massresistance.org/ MassResistance] *[http://www.massresistance.net/ MassResistance Blog]

Category:Political organizations based in the United States Category:Non-profit organizations based in Massachusetts Category:Mitt Romney Category:American organizations established in 1995 Category:Anti-abortion organizations in the United States Category:501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations Category:Conservative organizations in the United States Category:Conspiracist media Category:Waltham, Massachusetts Category:Organizations that oppose LGBTQ rights in the United States Category:1995 establishments in Massachusetts Category:LGBTQ in Massachusetts