Tony Perkins (politician)
Tony Perkins | |
---|---|
Gayle Manchin | |
Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from the 64th district | |
In office January 3, 1996 – January 12, 2004 | |
Preceded by | Mike McCleary |
Succeeded by | Bodi White |
Personal details | |
Born | Anthony Richard Perkins March 20, 1963 Cleveland, Oklahoma, U.S. |
Political party | Republican |
Spouse | Lawana Perkins |
Children | 5 |
Education | Liberty University (BS) Louisiana State University (MPA) |
Website | tonyperkins.com |
Anthony Richard Perkins (born March 20, 1963) is an American politician and
Early life and career
Perkins was born and raised in the northern Oklahoma city of Cleveland and graduated in 1981 from Cleveland High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University.[6] He later earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. After college, Perkins entered the United States Marine Corps.[6] Following his tour of duty, he became a reserve deputy with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office and also worked with the U.S. State Department's Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program instructing hostage negotiation and bomb disposal to hundreds of police officers from around the world.[6][7][8]
After the federal contract for the anti-terrorism program ended, Perkins left law enforcement to work for KBTR, the Baton Rouge TV station owned by then-State Representative Woody Jenkins. At KBTR, Perkins opened a news division.[8]
Political career
Louisiana House of Representatives
Perkins won an open seat in the Louisiana House representing District 64 (the eastern Baton Rouge suburbs, including part of
While in office, Perkins authored legislation to require Louisiana
Perkins opposed casino gambling in Louisiana, calling a 1996 plan to restrict the location of gambling riverboats to one side of the river, "putting lipstick on a hog". It doesn't make the bill any better, it just looks a little better."
2002 U.S. Senate election
Perkins ran for the
USCIRF appointment
On May 14, 2018, he was appointed as one of nine commissioners to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).[5] His appointment was opposed by the Hindu American Foundation for his track record of "hateful stances against non-Christians."[18]
On June 17, 2019, the USCIRF elected Perkins as chair for the commission.[19] On June 16, 2020, he became the USCIRF vice chair.[20]
Political future
Perkins was floated as a potential Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate against
Activism
Louisiana Family Forum
According to the Baptist Press, Perkins' "concern about the influence of the homosexual movement" led to his involvement in the 1998 founding of the Louisiana Family Forum, a conservative, faith-oriented, anti-abortion, and non-profit group.[24][25]
Family Research Council
In September 2003, Perkins withdrew from the race for Louisiana state insurance commissioner to become the president of the conservative Christian Family Research Council (FRC).[26] He replaced Ken Connor.[27][28] In addition to his duties as president of the FRC, Perkins hosts a radio program, Washington Watch with Tony Perkins.[29]
Perkins was involved in the 2005 controversy over the disconnection of
In October 2008, Perkins called the passage of
In 2010, Perkins dismissed the
Political positions
Candidates
In 2015, Perkins affirmed the debate over Obama's birth certificate as "legitimate", remarking that it "makes sense" to conclude that Obama was a Muslim. That year, a survey reported that "54 percent of GOP voters thought Obama was a Muslim".[33]
In 2016, Perkins endorsed
In 2017, some supporters of a political candidate,
In 2018, Perkins was willing to overlook Donald Trump's past, stating that President Trump should be given a "Mulligan". Perkins opined that Trump was "providing the leadership we need at this time, in our country and in our culture."[36]
Israel
In 2014, Perkins released an editorial explaining why he supports Israel.[37]
Judicial nominees
In 2005, Perkins opposed the
LGBT issues
In 2010, Perkins opposed the overturning of the "Don't ask, don't tell" law that prohibited people who were openly gay or lesbian from serving in the U.S. military. Perkins argued that the repeal would, among other things, infringe on the religious liberty of military chaplains and other service members holding orthodox Christian views.[41]
In 2006, Perkins urged Congress to pass the
The definition... is rooted in the order of nature itself. It promotes the continuation of the human race and the cooperation of a mother and a father in raising the children they produce. This union can only be protected through amending the United States Constitution. If it's not, activists will continue using the courts to sell a five-legged dog.[44]
Perkins believes
Minimum wage
Perkins opposes any increases in the minimum wage, which he stated in a book that he co-authored with Harry R. Jackson, Jr. in 2008. [citation needed] Jackson stated that the minimum wage is rooted in racism.[47]
Religion
In June 2019, Perkins advocated for the "fundamental human right of religious freedom" for non-Christians.[48]
He criticized the persecution of Uyghurs in China and religious minorities in Iran.[19]
In September 2010, Perkins claimed that "the ultimate evil has been committed" when Muslims
In 2007, Perkins opposed the first-ever Hindu prayer before the
Second Amendment
Perkins is a self-described "ardent supporter of the Second Amendment" who is "willing to talk about laws regarding the ownership and use of guns by those who should not have them."[53]
2020 election results
Perkins signed a December 10, 2020, letter from the Conservative Action Project asking state legislatures in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Michigan to exercise their plenary power under the Constitution to overturn Joe Biden's victory by appointing pro-Trump slates of electors to the Electoral College.[54]
Controversies
On May 17, 2001, Perkins gave a speech to the Louisiana chapter of the
Personal life
Perkins is married to Lawana Perkins (née Lee), with whom he has five children.[12] He also adopted 16-year-old Boko Haram-held captive, Nigerian Leah Sharibu.[19]
He has been affiliated with the
Perkins' family was affected by the 2016 Louisiana floods, and had to evacuate their Louisiana home by canoe.[58][59]
References
- ^ a b "Tony Perkins Elected Chair of Bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom". United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
- ^ a b c Blumenthal, Max (May 23, 2005). "Good Cop, Bad Cop". The Nation. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
- ^ Foust, Michael, "Family Leader & Baptist in La., Named FRC President", Baptist Press, August 13, 2003. Accessed May 3, 2019.
- ^ "Tony Perkins". Fox News. 2020-10-12. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ a b "May 14, 2018 115th Congress, 2nd Session Issue: Vol. 164, No. 78 — Daily Edition". Congress.gov. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g Banville, Lee (2002). "Vote 2002. State Rep. Tony Perkins (Republican)". PBS Online Newshour. Archived from the original on May 21, 2012. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ a b "House District 64". enlou.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
- ^ a b Maggi, Laura (October 9, 2002). "Perkins: From pulpit to politics". The Times-Picayune. New Orleans. Archived from the original on October 30, 2002. Retrieved July 5, 2022.
- ^ "Louisiana election returns, October 21, 1995". sos.louisiana.gov. Retrieved November 14, 2009. [dead link]
- ^ "Our Campaigns - LA State House 064 Race - Oct 21, 1995".
- ^ Dyer, Scott (October 9, 1999). "ELECTION '99 House District 64". The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.). p. 6 A.
- ^ a b "Biography, Tony Perkins, President". Family Research Council. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
- ^ "Our Campaigns - LA State House 064 Race - Oct 23, 1999".
- ^ Organization Profile: Family Research Council | Right Wing Watch. Pfaw.org. Retrieved on 2012-04-24.
- ^ Crary, David (February 11, 2001). "Love & Marriage". The Day (New London, Ct.). p. C8. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- The Baton Rouge Morning Advocate. p. 23–a.
- ^ "Clinics brought under state licensing". The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.). June 2, 1999.
- ^ a b "Appointment of Far-Right Evangelist Tony Perkins Strains Credibility of USCIRF". Hindu American Foundation. 2018-05-16. Retrieved 24 January 2019.
- ^ a b c "Tony Perkins Elected Chair of Bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom | USCIRF". www.uscirf.gov. June 17, 2019. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- ^ "Commissioners: Advocates for Religious Freedom | USCIRF". www.uscirf.gov. October 10, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- ^ Social conservatives make big money plans Politico
- ^ Mollie Reilly (January 22, 2013). "Tony Perkins Suggests He May Run For David Vitter's Senate Seat: 'I Never Say Never'". The Huffington Post. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
- ^ Roarty, Alex; Yoakley, Eli (February 26, 2016). "Tony Perkins to Endorse John Fleming in Louisiana Senate Race". Roll Call. Archived from the original on February 27, 2016. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
- ^ Foust, Michael (August 13, 2003). "Tony Perkins, pro-family leader & Baptist in La., named FRC president". Baptist Press. Archived from the original on April 15, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
- ^ Nossiter, Adam (June 2, 2008). "n Louisiana, Inklings of a New (True) Champion of the Right". The New York Times.
- ^ "Covenant-marriage author to lead conservative group. Family Research Council board names Louisiana lawmaker to post". The Washington Times. August 14, 2003.
- ^ "(DV) Berkowitz: Tony Perkins' Family Research Council".
- ^ "Archives". Los Angeles Times. 16 August 2003.
- ^ "Washington Watch, Live Daily with Tony Perkins, radio program". Retrieved October 15, 2007.
- ^ Milbank, Dana (April 1, 2005). "GOP, Democrats Look for Symbolism in Schiavo Case". Washington Post. p. A12.
- ^ Goodstein, Laurie (October 26, 2008). "A Line in the Sand for Same-Sex Marriage Foes". The New York Times. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ Thompson, Krissah (November 24, 2010). "'Hate group' designation angers same-sex marriage opponents". Washington Post. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ Coates, Ta-Nehisi. "My President Was Black: A history of the first African American White House--and of what came next". The Atlantic. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
- ^ Teddy Schleifer. "Tony Perkins backs Ted Cruz". CNN. Retrieved January 26, 2016.
- ^ Kindy, Kimberly; Viebeck, Elise (November 17, 2017). "How a conservative group dealt with a fondling charge against a rising GOP star". Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 19, 2017. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- Politico.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
- ^ "Tony Perkins: My Journey to the Holy Land, Spending Time In Bomb Shelters and Why America Needs to Support Israel". www.christianpost.com. 29 August 2014.
- ^ Perkins, Tony (May 14, 2005). "It Is About Religious Belief". Washington Post.
- ]
- ^ Helguero, Francis (August 15, 2005). "'Justice Sunday II' Calls on Evangelicals to Action". The Christian Post. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
- ^ Marshall, Kelly (May 27, 2010). "Tony Perkins: Repealing 'don't ask, don't tell' threatens military chaplains". CNN. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ Tony Perkins, "Connecticut Fails to Connect with People on Marriage," Washington Update, Family Research Council, April 14, 2005.
- ISBN 978-0-8204-8651-2. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
- ^ Perkins, Tony (July 21, 2006). "Congress Fails Americans on Marriage". Human Events. Archived from the original on 6 February 2012. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
- ^ US pastor, who believes floods are God's punishment, flees flooded home. BBC. August 18, 2016
- ^ A Man Who Says God Punishes Gays with Natural Disasters Had His Home Destroyed in the Flood. Esquire. August 18, 2016
- ^ Jackson Jr., Harry R. (April 1, 2014). "Minimum Wage: All Jacked Up". Christian Post. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ Perkins, Tony (June 19, 2019). "Why Christians must support religious freedom for everyone". Religion News Service. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- ^ Parker Spitzer. CNN. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
- ^ Tashman, Brian (September 12, 2014). "Tony Perkins: US Constitution Doesn't Protect Muslims". Archived from the original on September 15, 2014. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
- ^ Perkins, Tony (September 11, 2014). "Washington Watch". Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
- ^ Perkins, Tony (September 18, 2014). "America Will Perish Without a Vision to Defeat ISIS". Archived from the original on September 19, 2014. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
- ^ "Tony Perkins: Solution to gun violence isn't what you think, says former police officer". Associated Press. Associated Press. August 25, 2019. Archived from the original on August 25, 2019. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ "Conservatives Call on State Legislators to Appoint New Electors, in Accordance with the Constitution". Conservative Action Project. Archived from the original on December 10, 2020.
- ISBN 978-0-275-99569-0. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
- ^ Fargen, Jessica (October 16, 2006). "Attack on Gay Marriage". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on May 24, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
- ^ "Tony Perkins, President". www.frc.org. Archived from the original on 2020-10-12. Retrieved 2020-10-12.
- ^ Louisiana Flood Strips Evangelical Political Leader of Everything; Family Evacuated in Canoe, Living in Motorhome Christian Post
- ^ Nelson, Kate (August 18, 2016). "Louisiana floods destroy home of Christian leader who says God sends natural disasters to punish gay people". The Independent. London. Retrieved August 27, 2017.
External links
- Tony Perkins on Gab
- Louisiana Family Forum's website
- The Family Research Council's Tony Perkins is a rising star in a crowded universe of evangelical Christian leaders (Bill Berkowitz, on mediatransparency.com, June 17, 2005)
- People for the American Way: Family Research Council
- Perkins, Tony. "Congress Fails Americans on Marriage Archived 2006-10-29 at the Wayback Machine."
- Appearances on C-SPAN