Major Controversies Surrounding Phyllis Schlafly: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Phyllis Schlafly.

Phyllis Schlafly was a prominent American conservative activist and attorney known for her staunch opposition to feminism and the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). A figurehead of the New Right, she mobilized conservative women, arguing the ERA would undermine traditional family values and harm women. Her organization, Eagle Forum, became a significant force in conservative politics. Schlafly's activism played a key role in the ERA's failure to be ratified, and she remained a vocal advocate for conservative social and political causes throughout her life.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1961: Opposition to Arms Control

In 1961, Phyllis Schlafly voiced her opposition to arms control agreements with the Soviet Union, arguing that such measures would not deter aggression.

1972: Campaign Against the Equal Rights Amendment Begins

In 1972, Phyllis Schlafly began her campaign against the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

1975: ERA Ratification Predicted

Many people believed that the ERA would have been ratified by 1975 had it not been for Phyllis Schlafly's early and effective efforts to organize potential opponents.

1976: ERA Ratification Predicted

Many people believed that the ERA would have been ratified by 1976 had it not been for Phyllis Schlafly's early and effective efforts to organize potential opponents.

January 1977: Indiana Ratifies the ERA

In January 1977, Indiana became the last state to ratify the ERA, with State Senator Wayne Townsend casting the tie-breaking vote.

November 1977: Opposition Speaker at National Women's Conference

In November 1977, Phyllis Schlafly was an opposition speaker at the 1977 National Women's Conference with Lottie Beth Hobbs, Dr. Mildred Jefferson, Nellie Gray, and Bob Dornan.

1977: Pro-Life, Pro-Family Rally

In 1977, Phyllis Schlafly led anti-feminists in organizing a counter-conference to the National Women's Conference, known as the Pro-Life, Pro-Family Rally, at the Astro Arena. Over 15,000 people attended the rally.

1980: NOW Downplays Program for Older Women

By 1980, the National Organization for Women (NOW) downplayed their program to help older divorced and widowed women, focusing almost exclusively on ratification of the ERA. Schlafly criticized feminists for abandoning older, middle-class women and warned that the ERA would strip legal protections they needed.

1992: Bill Clinton Elected President

The defeat of the ERA damaged the women's movement and led to feminist dissatisfaction with the Republican Party, which helped elect Bill Clinton to the presidency in 1992.

1994: Condemnation of Globalization

Prior to the 1994 Congressional elections, Phyllis Schlafly condemned globalization through the World Trade Organization as a "direct attack on American sovereignty, independence, jobs, and economy."

1995: Condemnation of the United Nations

On the 50th anniversary of the UN in 1995, Phyllis Schlafly referred to it as "a cause for mourning, not celebration... a Trojan Horse that carries the enemy into our midst."

1996: Bill Clinton Re-elected President

In 1996, Bill Clinton was re-elected as president, due to the combination of feminist dissatisfaction with the Republican Party and overwhelming minority support.

1996: Opposition to Bosnia Troop Deployment

In 1996, Phyllis Schlafly opposed President Bill Clinton's decision to send 20,000 American troops to Bosnia during the Yugoslav Wars.

2005: Call for Impeachment of Justice Anthony Kennedy

In 2005, Phyllis Schlafly advocated for the impeachment of Justice Anthony Kennedy, citing his vote to abolish the death penalty for minors as grounds for impeachment.

2006: Creation of Website Opposing North American Union

In late 2006, Phyllis Schlafly collaborated with Jerome Corsi and Howard Phillips to create a website opposing the concept of a "North American Union."

March 2007: Speech Against Marital Rape Concept

In March 2007, Phyllis Schlafly spoke against the concept of marital rape in a speech at Bates College, stating that "By getting married, the woman has consented to sex, and I don't think you can call it rape."

2007: Warnings Against New ERA

In 2007, while working to defeat a new version of the Equal Rights Amendment, Phyllis Schlafly warned it would force courts to approve same-sex marriages and deny Social Security benefits for housewives and widows.

May 1, 2008: Announcement of Honorary Degree

On May 1, 2008, Washington University in St. Louis announced that Phyllis Schlafly would receive an honorary degree at the graduation ceremony, sparking objections from students and faculty.

May 16, 2008: Award of Honorary Degree and Protests

On May 16, 2008, Phyllis Schlafly was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at Washington University, amidst protests where faculty and students silently turned their backs in opposition.

2008: Criticism of Mike Huckabee and Barack Obama

In 2008, Phyllis Schlafly criticized Mike Huckabee for his leadership of the Republican Party in Arkansas and referred to Barack Obama as "an elitist who worked with words".