Concerned Women for America

“The mission of CWA is to protect and promote Biblical values among all citizens - first through prayer, then education, and finally by influencing our society - thereby reversing the decline in moral values in our nation.”

Among CWA’s core issues are the "traditional" definition of family, “sanctity of life,” national sovereignty, opposition to homosexuality and, just in case they miss an opportunity to share their opinions, their website includes an all-encompassing, self-described section for “miscellaneous.” Like many of their peer groups, support for the "sanctity of life" does not include condemnation of the death penalty, which they even argue in support of here. They do make an ambiguous qualification at the beginning—"Set aside your position on capital punishment for now"—just before they proceed to suggest you should support it.

Their website contains links for what CWA defines as affiliates. These so-called “partners” are for-profit businesses—offering cell phone services, internet security, and a soy protein product called “Revival”—which share profits with CWA and reap the tax benefits.

During the past few years, the organization focused efforts on lobbying the FCC regarding “indecency standards” following the infamous Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction. They also successfully lobbied the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to withhold allowing over-the-counter sales of emergency contraception (inaccurately called the “morning-after pill,” since it can be used up to several days following unprotected intercourse).

Another point of interest is CWA’s very visible opposition against the Harry Potter books, claiming the books promote witchcraft among children. To support their claims, the LaHayes have had a hand in producing books and videos such as, “Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged: Making Evil Look Innocent.”.

CWA is a member organization of the Coalition to Protect Marriage, formed in 2004 to support a constitutional amendment banning gay marriages. Coalition members include American Values, Eagle Forum, Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, and the Southern Baptist Convention, America’s largest religious organization.

CWA also monitors state legislation, organizes Prayer/Action chapters, and coordinates the “Project 535” grassroots congressional lobbying program. Through this effort, they have volunteer leaders on Capitol Hill meeting with members of Congress on a regular basis. (“Project 535” refers to the total number of Congress members in both the House and Senate.)