Since at least 2019, conservatives and religious groups have called for a boycott of PayPal after CEO Dan Schulman revealed that the company collaborates with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) to identify accounts to ban. The SPLC has been criticized for labeling several conservative Christian organizations as “hate groups” or “extremists” due to their religious views. This collaboration has led to concerns that PayPal might begin banning Christian users. [6]
The SPLC has a controversial history, including labeling Maajid Nawaz, a former Islamic radical, as an “anti-Muslim extremist,” which led to a lawsuit and a $3.375 million settlement. Critics argue that the SPLC labels virtually anyone who does not align with its left-wing ideology as an extremist or hate group.
PayPal’s CEO stated that the company’s mission is to democratize financial access and that they use the SPLC as part of their efforts toward diversity and inclusion. However, Schulman acknowledged that defining “hate speech” is subjective and complex. PayPal has previously banned figures like Infowars host Alex Jones and the platform Gab for hate speech and discriminatory intolerance.
PayPal Does not Tolerate Speech When It is Against Their Progressive Agenda
The controversy has sparked fears among conservatives and Christians, especially given PayPal’s past actions, such as canceling plans for a global operations center in Charlotte, North Carolina, after the city passed a transgender bathroom ordinance. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a left-leaning group supporting free expression, criticized PayPal as acting as “de facto internet censors” without the expertise to judge the societal value of speech or its compliance with the First Amendment.
Conservative and Christian Groups Listed as Hate Groups by the SPLC from Whom PayPal Takes its Lead
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has designated several conservative and Christian organizations as hate groups, primarily due to their stances on LGBTQ issues and other social policies. Here are some notable examples:
Anti-LGBTQ Groups
- Family Research Council (FRC)
A nonprofit organization promoting a biblical worldview and working to advance faith, family, and freedom in public policy [3] [5].
- Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF)
A legal organization fighting for religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, and free speech [3].
- American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds)
A medical association advocating for policies promoting the health and well-being of children, often opposing LGBTQ rights [3].
- Liberty Counsel
A legal organization advocating for religious freedom and traditional family values [3] [5].
- Pacific Justice Institute
A legal defense organization supporting religious freedom and parental rights [3] [5].
- American Family Association (AFA)
An organization promoting conservative Christian values, particularly against LGBTQ rights [3].
Christian Identity Groups
- Assembly of Christian Israelites
Based in Milford, Ohio, this group adheres to the antisemitic and racist theology of Christian Identity [1].
- Christogenea
Located in Panama City Beach, Florida, this group promotes Christian Identity beliefs [1].
- Church of Israel
Based in Schell City, Missouri, this group is part of the Christian Identity movement [1].
- Covenant People’s Ministry
Located in Brooks, Georgia, this ministry supports Christian Identity doctrines [1].
- Kingdom Identity Ministries
Based in Harrison, Arkansas, this group is a prominent promoter of Christian Identity theology [1].
Other Notable Groups
- California Family Council
A Sacramento-based nonprofit advocating for conservative values, particularly against LGBTQ rights and same-sex marriage [4].
- MassResistance
An organization opposing LGBTQ rights and promoting conservative family values [5].
- Moms for Liberty
A group advocating for parental rights and conservative educational policies, often opposing LGBTQ-inclusive curriculums [5].
These organizations are criticized by the SPLC for promoting policies and rhetoric that the SPLC views as discriminatory and harmful to LGBTQ individuals and other marginalized groups. The SPLC’s designations have sparked significant controversy and debate, particularly among the organizations listed, which argue that their positions are based on religious and moral beliefs rather than hate.
Citations:
[1] https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/ideology/christian-identity
[2] https://www.splcenter.org/hate-map
[4] https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article289090379.html
Citations: