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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}}
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{{Short description|American political philosopher (1981-)}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name =
| name = Ryan T. Anderson
| image = Anderson_headshot_2023.jpg
| image = Anderson_headshot_2023.jpg
| caption = Anderson in May 2023
| caption = Anderson in May 2023
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| death_place =
| death_place =
| education = {{flatlist|[[Princeton University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|AB]])
| education = {{flatlist|[[Princeton University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|AB]])
* [[University of Notre Dame]] [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]])}}
* [[University of Notre Dame]] ([[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]])}}
| title = President of the [[Ethics and Public Policy Center]]
| title = President of the [[Ethics and Public Policy Center]]
| known_for = Opposition to [[abortion]] and [[LGBT rights in the United States]]
| known_for = Opposition to [[LGBT rights in the United States]], including the legal recognition of [[same-sex marriage in the United States]], laws that ban discrimination against LGBT people, and laws that ban the practice of [[conversion therapy]] on children
| notable_works = {{flatlist|''[[What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense]]''
| notable_works = {{flatlist|''[[What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense]]''
* ''[[Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination]]''
* ''[[Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination]]''
* ''[[When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment]]''
* ''[[When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment]]''}}
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| movement = [[Religious conservatism]]
}}
}}
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{{Short description|American religious conservative (1981-)}}
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| movement = [[Social conservatism]]
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{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}}
}}
'''Ryan Thomas Anderson'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=1003472|title= O nowej teorii prawa naturalnego, małżeństwie i wolności religii |publisher=[[Central and Eastern European Online Library]]|accessdate=February 4, 2023|language=Polish}}</ref> (born 1981)<ref name="nd">{{cite thesis|last=Anderson|first=Ryan T.|url=https://onesearch.library.nd.edu/permalink/f/tgve9/ndu_aleph004613730|title= Neither liberal nor libertarian: a natural law approach to social justice and economic rights|year=2014|publisher=[[University of Notre Dame]]|type=Ph.D.}}</ref> is an American political philosopher, legal thinker, teacher, and author known primarily for his promotion of [[Social conservatism in the United States|social conservatism]] and correlative opposition to many [[LGBT rights in the United States|LGBT rights]] as well as [[Abortion in the United States|abortion]].
'''Ryan Thomas Anderson'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=1003472|title= O nowej teorii prawa naturalnego, małżeństwie i wolności religii |publisher=[[Central and Eastern European Online Library]]|accessdate=February 4, 2023|language=Polish}}</ref> (born 1981)<ref name="nd">{{cite thesis|last=Anderson|first=Ryan T.|url=https://onesearch.library.nd.edu/permalink/f/tgve9/ndu_aleph004613730|title= Neither liberal nor libertarian: a natural law approach to social justice and economic rights|year=2014|publisher=[[University of Notre Dame]]|type=Ph.D.}}</ref> is an American [[Conservatism#Religious conservatism|religious conservative]] who is primarily known for his opposition to [[LGBT rights in the United States]], including the legal recognition of [[same-sex marriage in the United States]], laws that ban discrimination against LGBT people, and laws that ban the practice of [[conversion therapy]] on children.<ref name="wapo">{{cite news|last=Barnes|first=Robert|title=The right finds a fresh voice on same-sex marriage|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/a-fresh-face-emerges-as-a-leader-in-the-movement-against-same-sex-marriage/2015/04/15/d78cf256-dece-11e4-be40-566e2653afe5_story.html|access-date=June 16, 2020|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=April 15, 2015}}</ref><ref name="GLAAD">{{cite web|title=Ryan T. Anderson|url=https://glaad.org/gap/ryan-t-anderson/|website=[[GLAAD]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Media Matters for America">{{cite web|title=Meet Ryan Anderson, The Anti-LGBT 'Scholar' Peddling Junk Science To National Media|url=https://www.mediamatters.org/legacy/meet-ryan-anderson-anti-lgbt-scholar-peddling-junk-science-national-med|author=Rachel Percelay|date=June 17, 2015|website=[[Media Matters for America]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref>

Anderson is currently president of the [[Ethics and Public Policy Center]] and the John Paul II Teaching Fellow in Social Thought at the [[University of Dallas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eppc.org/author/ryan_anderson/|title=Ryan T. Anderson|website=[[Ethics and Public Policy Center]]|access-date=February 27, 2021}}</ref> He is a member of the James Madison Society and Fellow of the Institute for Human Ecology at the [[Catholic University of America]].


Anderson is currently president of the [[Ethics and Public Policy Center]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eppc.org/author/ryan_anderson/|title=Ryan T. Anderson|website=[[Ethics and Public Policy Center]]|access-date=February 27, 2021}}</ref> He was previously a research fellow at [[The Heritage Foundation]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Fitzsimons|first=Tim|title=Conservative group hosts anti-transgender panel of feminists 'from the left'|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/conservative-group-hosts-anti-transgender-panel-feminists-left-n964246|access-date=June 17, 2020|work=[[NBC News]]|date=January 29, 2019}}</ref> and the founder and editor-in-chief of ''Public Discourse'', an online journal of the [[Witherspoon Institute]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Masthead|url=https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/masthead/|website=Public Discourse|access-date=June 18, 2020}}</ref>
He was previously the William E. Simon senior research fellow at [[The Heritage Foundation]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heritage.org/staff/ryan-anderson|title=Ryan T. Anderson|publisher=The Heritage Foundation|accessdate=June 7, 2024}}</ref> and the founder and editor-in-chief of ''Public Discourse'', an online journal of the [[Witherspoon Institute]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Masthead|url=https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/masthead/|website=Public Discourse|access-date=June 18, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=UD Establishes St. John Paul II Teaching Fellow in Social Thought|url=https://news.udallas.edu/2019-02-05-UD-Establishes-St-John-Paul-II-Teaching-Fellow-in-Social-Thought|access-date=June 7, 2024|work=University of Dallas|date=February 5, 2019}}</ref> Anderson has also served as an adjunct professor of philosophy and political science at [[Christendom College]], as Visiting Fellow at the Veritas Center at [[Franciscan University of Steubenville|Franciscan University]], and as an assistant editor for [[First Things|''First Things'']].


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
Anderson was born in [[Baltimore]], Maryland in 1981.<ref name="nd"/> He is the second youngest of five sons. He attended [[Princeton University]] where he received his [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] degree in music. He later attended the [[University of Notre Dame]] where he earned a [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]] in political philosophy.<ref name="EPPC Bio">{{cite web|title=Ryan T. Anderson, Author at Ethics & Public Policy Center|url=https://eppc.org/author/ryan_anderson/|website=[[Ethics & Public Policy Center]]|access-date=21 October 2021}}</ref> His dissertation, completed in 2014, was entitled ''Neither Liberal Nor Libertarian: A Natural Law Approach to Social Justice and Economic Rights'' and it was advised by [[University of Notre Dame]] professor [[Michael Zuckert]].<ref name="EPPC Bio"/><ref name="nd"/>
Anderson was born in [[Baltimore]], Maryland, in 1981,<ref name="nd"/> the second youngest of five sons.<ref name="wapo"/> He attended [[Princeton University]], where he received his [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] degree, and then the [[University of Notre Dame]], where he earned a [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]]<ref name="EPPC Bio">{{cite web|title=Ryan T. Anderson, Author at Ethics & Public Policy Center|url=https://eppc.org/author/ryan_anderson/|website=[[Ethics & Public Policy Center]]|access-date=21 October 2021}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
In November 2003, Anderson wrote an article for the ''[[Daily Princetonian]]'', the [[student publication|student newspaper]] at [[Princeton University]], comparing [[homosexual]] "characteristics" and [[homosexual]] "acts" to "[[alcoholism]]" and "the crimes of a pedophiliac priest" in arguing for his religious beliefs about [[homosexuality]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Catholic teaching on sexuality asks the same of everyone|url=http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2003/11/05/opinion/8988.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322211322/http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2003/11/05/opinion/8988.shtml|archive-date=March 22, 2006|author=Ryan Anderson|date=November 5, 2003|website=[[Daily Princetonian]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref><ref name="GLAAD"></ref><ref name="Media Matters for America"></ref>
Anderson has authored many publications. The following are among the more notable and sometimes controversial.


In February 2007, Anderson wrote an article for ''[[First Things]]'', a [[Conservatism#Religious conservatism|religious conservative]] journal, about his friend in which he speculated about his "problem" of [[same-sex attraction]], said that his friend "suffers" [[same-sex attraction]], mused about a "cure" for [[homosexuality]], and claimed [[homosexuality]] as amidst "disorders".<ref>{{cite web|title=Struggling Alone|url=https://www.firstthings.com/article/2007/02/struggling-alone|author=Ryan T. Anderson|date=February 2007|website=[[First Things]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref><ref name="GLAAD"></ref><ref name="Media Matters for America"></ref>
In November 2003, Anderson wrote an article for the ''[[Daily Princetonian]]'', the [[student publication|student newspaper]] at [[Princeton University]], entitled "Catholic teaching on sexuality asks the same of everyone."<ref>{{cite web|title=Catholic teaching on sexuality asks the same of everyone|url=http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2003/11/05/opinion/8988.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322211322/http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/archives/2003/11/05/opinion/8988.shtml|archive-date=March 22, 2006|author=Ryan Anderson|date=November 5, 2003|website=[[Daily Princetonian]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref> Anderson wrote to clarify the Catholic Church's teaching on human sexuality in response to a "recent flood of opinions on human sexuality" in the ''Princetonian''. Anderson argues that "[f]rom the premise that homosexual characteristics are 'determined,' many make the unwarranted leap of asserting the moral legitimacy of homosexual acts." Anderson then cites the examples of alcoholics, pedophilic priests, and Mother Theresa. Anderson argues that while these individuals' predilections might have a genetic basis, their moral status is judged solely on the basis of their actions. Thus, while homosexual sexual attraction and orientation may have a genetic basis, homosexual sexual activity can still be considered immoral.


In February 2007, Anderson wrote an article for ''First Things'' about his pseudonymous friend "Chris" who had recently revealed to Anderson that he was gay. The article is meant to praise Chris in his decision to live a life in line with Catholic teaching on sexuality while also decrying "our troubled culture, the sexual chaos our parents’ generation bequeathed us, the lack of support the Church provides, and the hostile environment the university [where Chris attended] maintains." Referring to Chris, Anderson wrote that "[h]e labors to remedy the unwanted causes and side effects of attractions he never desired, aware all the while that a cure isn’t certain, that in this fallen world some disorders may always be with us."<ref>{{cite web|title=Struggling Alone|url=https://www.firstthings.com/article/2007/02/struggling-alone|author=Ryan T. Anderson|date=February 2007|website=[[First Things]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref>
In 2012, Anderson wrote an article in which he promoted an article about advocates for a "cure" for [[homosexuality]] who fought against laws that ban the practice of [[conversion therapy]] on children and quoted his previous article in justification.<ref>{{cite web|title=The New York Times, Same-Sex Attraction, and Struggling Alone|url=https://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2012/11/the-new-york-times-same-sex-attraction-and-struggling-alone/|author=Ryan T. Anderson|date=November 1, 2012|website=[[First Things]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref><ref name="GLAAD"></ref><ref name="Media Matters for America"></ref>


In 2010, Anderson co-authored and published the article "What is Marriage?" in the ''Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy'' with [[Sherif Girgis]] and [[Robert P. George]].<ref>Girgis, Sherif and George, Robert and Anderson, Ryan T., What is Marriage? (November 23, 2012). Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 245-287, Winter 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1722155</ref> The article was later published under the name ''[[What Is Marriage?|What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense]]'' by [[Encounter Books]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Worsnip |first1=Alex |title=Arguing against gay marriage |url=https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/philosophy/arguing-against-gay-marriage-what-is-marriage-man-woman-defense-review |access-date=June 17, 2020 |work=Prospect |date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> In the article, they argue that the word "[[marriage]]" definitionally must involve the capacity of men and women to [[reproduction|procreate]]. Thus, as they argue, the concept of [[same-sex marriage]] is philosophically unsubstantiated. Justice [[Samuel Alito]] referenced the book in his dissenting opinion in ''[[United States v. Windsor]]''.<ref>{{cite court
In 2012, Anderson co-authored the book ''[[What Is Marriage?|What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense]]'' with Sherif Girgis and his mentor [[Robert P. George]], published by [[Encounter Books]].<ref name="wapo"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Worsnip |first1=Alex |title=Arguing against gay marriage |url=https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/philosophy/arguing-against-gay-marriage-what-is-marriage-man-woman-defense-review |access-date=June 17, 2020 |work=Prospect |date=January 30, 2013}}</ref> In it, they argued that the purpose of [[marriage]] is [[reproduction]] and thus [[same-sex marriage]] should not be possible. Justice [[Samuel Alito]] referenced the book in his dissenting opinion in ''[[United States v. Windsor]]''.<ref name="wapo"/><ref>{{cite court
|litigants=United States v. Windsor|vol=570|court=U.S.|year=2013|url=https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/usrep/usrep570/usrep570744/usrep570744.pdf}}</ref>
|litigants=United States v. Windsor|vol=570|court=U.S.|year=2013|url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/12pdf/12-307_6j37.pdf}}</ref>


In 2014, Anderson wrote a dissertation titled ''Neither Liberal Nor Libertarian: A Natural Law Approach to Social Justice and Economic Rights'', advised by [[University of Notre Dame]] professor [[Michael Zuckert]].<ref name="EPPC Bio"/><ref name="nd"/>
In 2012, again writing for ''First Things'', Anderson promoted an article about self-labeled ex-gay men who believed their attractions had been altered in some way through [[conversion therapy]] and who fought against laws banning the practice of conversion therapy.<ref>{{cite web|title=The New York Times, Same-Sex Attraction, and Struggling Alone|url=https://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firstthoughts/2012/11/the-new-york-times-same-sex-attraction-and-struggling-alone/|author=Ryan T. Anderson|date=November 1, 2012|website=[[First Things]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref>


In 2017, Anderson co-wrote the book ''[[Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination]]'' with Girgis and [[John Corvino]]. The book received positive reviews for its constructive, back-and-forth discussion on [[religious freedom]] and [[anti-discrimination law]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Picciotti-Bayer |first1=Andrea |title=Religious Liberty vs. Anti-Discrimination: Toward a 'Political Settlement' |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/2017/07/debating-religious-liberty-discrimination-john-corvino-ryan-t-anderson-sherif-girgis-review/ |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=National Review |date=July 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Vischer |first1=Robert K. |title=Agreeing on How to Disagree |url=https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/agreeing-how-disagree |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=Commonweal |issue=September 20, 2017}}</ref>
In 2015 and in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision in [[Obergefell v. Hodges]], Anderson wrote and published ''Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom''. The book aims to offer arguments in favor of man-woman marriage, outline what Anderson believes are going to be the negative implications for religious liberty brought on by the Court's decision, relate the latest in research on same-sex parenting, and provide a "comprehensive roadmap on how to rebuild a culture of marriage, with work to be done by everyone."<ref>"Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom," Regenery, accessed June 10, 2024, https://www.regnery.com/9781621574514/truth-overruled/.</ref>


In 2017, Anderson co-wrote the book ''[[Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination]]'' with Sherif Girgis and [[John Corvino]]. The book received positive reviews for its constructive, rigorous, and back-and-forth discussion on [[religious freedom]] and [[anti-discrimination law]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Picciotti-Bayer |first1=Andrea |title=Religious Liberty vs. Anti-Discrimination: Toward a 'Political Settlement' |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/2017/07/debating-religious-liberty-discrimination-john-corvino-ryan-t-anderson-sherif-girgis-review/ |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=National Review |date=July 18, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Vischer |first1=Robert K. |title=Agreeing on How to Disagree |url=https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/agreeing-how-disagree |access-date=June 18, 2020 |work=Commonweal |issue=September 20, 2017}}</ref>
In 2018, Anderson released his book ''[[When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment]]''.<ref>{{cite book| last =Anderson| first =Ryan| title =When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment| publisher =Encounter| date =2018| pages =264| url =https://www.encounterbooks.com/books/when-harry-became-sally-paperback/| isbn =9781641770484}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenesmith |first1=Heron |title=Non-Affirming Therapists Endanger Trans Youth |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/gender-critical-support-board-trans-youth |access-date=June 22, 2020 |work=Teen Vogue |date=June 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lu |first1=Rachel |title=The Assault on Reality |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2018/03/05/the-assault-on-reality/ |access-date=June 17, 2020 |work=National Review |date=July 29, 2018}}</ref> The book, critical of what Anderson calls "transgenderism" and heavily influenced by the works of [[Paul R. McHugh]], came under scrutiny after it topped the [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] bestsellers list in the Gay & Lesbian Civil Rights History category.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Eunjung Cha |first1=Ariana |title=Ryan Anderson's book on transgender people is creating an uproar |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2018/02/02/ryan-andersons-book-calling-transgender-people-mentally-ill-is-creating-an-uproar/|access-date=June 17, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 2, 2018}}</ref>


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In 2019, Anderson wrote in opposition to a state law in [[Massachusetts]] that bans the practice of [[conversion therapy]] on children.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mass. bans therapists from efforts to change minors' orientation or gender identity|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/41025/mass-bans-therapists-from-efforts-to-change-minors-orientation-or-gender-identity|author=Christine Rousselle|date=April 11, 2019|website=[[Catholic News Agency]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=AMA supports federal ban on 'conversion therapy'|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/42922/ama-supports-federal-ban-on-conversion-therapy|date=November 25, 2019|website=[[Catholic News Agency]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref><ref name="GLAAD"></ref><ref name="Media Matters for America"></ref>
In the same year, Anderson co-edited the book ''Liberalism Safe for Catholicism? Perspectives from The Review of Politics'' with Notre Dame political science professor Daniel Philpott.


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In 2020, Anderson co-wrote an article with his mentor [[Robert P. George]] in which they claimed [[homosexual]] "inclinations" as "disordered" in criticizing [[Pope Francis]] for his support for the legal recognition of [[same-sex couple]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pope Francis, Civil Unions, and Moral Truth|url=https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2020/10/72441/|date=October 27, 2020|author=[[Ryan T. Anderson]] and [[Robert P. George]]|website=Public Discourse|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref><ref name="GLAAD"></ref><ref name="Media Matters for America"></ref>
In 2018, Anderson released his book ''[[When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment]]''.<ref>{{cite book| last =Anderson| first =Ryan| title =When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment| publisher =Encounter| date =2018| pages =264| url =https://www.encounterbooks.com/books/when-harry-became-sally-paperback/| isbn =9781641770484}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Greenesmith |first1=Heron |title=Non-Affirming Therapists Endanger Trans Youth |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/gender-critical-support-board-trans-youth |access-date=June 22, 2020 |work=Teen Vogue |date=June 17, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lu |first1=Rachel |title=The Assault on Reality |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2018/03/05/the-assault-on-reality/ |access-date=June 17, 2020 |work=National Review |date=July 29, 2018}}</ref> The book, critical of the transgender movement and heavily influenced by the works of [[Paul R. McHugh]], came under scrutiny after it topped the [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] bestsellers list in the Gay & Lesbian Civil Rights History category.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Eunjung Cha |first1=Ariana |title=Ryan Anderson's book on transgender people is creating an uproar |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2018/02/02/ryan-andersons-book-calling-transgender-people-mentally-ill-is-creating-an-uproar/|access-date=June 17, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 2, 2018}}</ref> On February 21, 2021, Anderson's book was removed from [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/best-selling-controversial-book-transgender-people-removed-amazon-3-years-after-publication-1571087|title=Best-Selling Controversial Book on Transgender People Removed From Amazon 3 Years After Publication|work=Newsweek|first=Katherine|last=Fung|date=February 22, 2021|access-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref> On March 11, 2021, Amazon explained its decision in a letter addressed to Republican Senators [[Marco Rubio]], [[Mike Lee]], [[Mike Braun]], and [[Josh Hawley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-wont-sell-books-framing-lgbtq-identities-as-mental-illnesses-11615511380?mod=rsswn|title=Amazon won't sell books framing LGBTQ+ identities as mental illnesses|first=Jeffrey|last=Trachtenberg|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=2021-03-11|accessdate=2021-03-30}}</ref> Amazon wrote “[a]s to your specific question about ''When Harry Became Sally'', we have chosen not to sell books that frame LGBTQ+ identity as a mental illness[.]" Anderson denied that his book described transgender people as "mentally ill."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/542888-amazon-removing-books-that-frame-lgbtq-issues-as-mental-illness
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|title=Amazon removing books that frame LGBTQ issues as mental illness|first=Morgan|last=Gstalter|work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]|date=March 12, 2021}}</ref>


On February 21, 2021, Anderson's book, ''When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment'', was removed from [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/best-selling-controversial-book-transgender-people-removed-amazon-3-years-after-publication-1571087|title=Best-Selling Controversial Book on Transgender People Removed From Amazon 3 Years After Publication|work=Newsweek|first=Katherine|last=Fung|date=February 22, 2021|access-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref>
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In 2019, Anderson voiced his opposition to a state law in [[Massachusetts]] that bans the practice of [[conversion therapy]] on children.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mass. bans therapists from efforts to change minors' orientation or gender identity|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/41025/mass-bans-therapists-from-efforts-to-change-minors-orientation-or-gender-identity|author=Christine Rousselle|date=April 11, 2019|website=[[Catholic News Agency]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=AMA supports federal ban on 'conversion therapy'|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/42922/ama-supports-federal-ban-on-conversion-therapy|date=November 25, 2019|website=[[Catholic News Agency]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref> As ''Catholic News Agency'' quotes Anderson, "[o]f course the state has authority to regulate medicine to ensure safety, but that's not what this law is about. This law imposes an ideological ban because the state disagrees with the viewpoint of certain professionals. It's not targeted at harmful practices, but at particular values."


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In February 2021, Anderson wrote an article in opposition to the [[Equality Act (United States)|Equality Act]], which is a bill in the [[United States Congress]] that would ban discrimination based on [[sex]], [[sexual orientation]], and [[gender identity]] in federal law.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2021/02/21/bidens-equality-act-is-a-danger-to-womens-and-conscience-rights/|title=Biden's Equality Act is a danger to women's and conscience rights|work=New York Post|first=Ryan|last=Anderson|date=February 21, 2021|access-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref>
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In 2020, Anderson co-wrote an article with Robert P. George in which they restated and reaffirmed their own philosophical and religious commitments to traditional Catholic teaching on marriage and sexuality in a cautiously critical response to recent comments by the Pope supporting civil union status for same-sex couples.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pope Francis, Civil Unions, and Moral Truth|url=https://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2020/10/72441/|date=October 27, 2020|author=[[Ryan T. Anderson]] and [[Robert P. George]]|website=Public Discourse|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref>


On March 11, 2021, Amazon explained its decision in a letter addressed to Republican Senators [[Marco Rubio]], [[Mike Lee]], [[Mike Braun]], and [[Josh Hawley]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-wont-sell-books-framing-lgbtq-identities-as-mental-illnesses-11615511380?mod=rsswn|title=Amazon won't sell books framing LGBTQ+ identities as mental illnesses|first=Jeffrey|last=Trachtenberg|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=2021-03-11|accessdate=2021-03-30}}</ref> Anderson denied that his book described transgender people as "mentally ill."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/542888-amazon-removing-books-that-frame-lgbtq-issues-as-mental-illness
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In February 2021, Anderson wrote an article in opposition to the [[Equality Act (United States)|Equality Act]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2021/02/21/bidens-equality-act-is-a-danger-to-womens-and-conscience-rights/|title=Biden's Equality Act is a danger to women's and conscience rights|work=New York Post|first=Ryan|last=Anderson|date=February 21, 2021|access-date=February 25, 2021}}</ref>
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|title=Amazon removing books that frame LGBTQ issues as mental illness|first=Morgan|last=Gstalter|work=[[The Hill (newspaper)|The Hill]]|date=March 12, 2021}}</ref>

In 2022 and in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision in [[Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization]], Anderson co-authored the book ''Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing'' with Alexandra DeSanctis. The book aims to disarm arguments in favor of abortion and chart a path forward for the [[pro-life movement]] in America.


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Anderson is a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Franciscan University Welcomes Catholic Scholar, Ryan T. Anderson, PhD, as Visiting Fellow at the Veritas Center for Ethics in Public Life |url=https://franciscan.edu/franciscan-university-welcomes-catholic-scholar-ryan-t-anderson-phd-as-visiting-fellow-at-the-veritas-center-for-ethics-in-public-life/ |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=Franciscan University of Steubenville}}</ref> He resides in Virginia with his wife and four children.
Anderson is a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Franciscan University Welcomes Catholic Scholar, Ryan T. Anderson, PhD, as Visiting Fellow at the Veritas Center for Ethics in Public Life |url=https://franciscan.edu/franciscan-university-welcomes-catholic-scholar-ryan-t-anderson-phd-as-visiting-fellow-at-the-veritas-center-for-ethics-in-public-life/ |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=Franciscan University of Steubenville}}</ref>

==Criticism==
The [[GLAAD]] Accountability Project "monitors and documents individual public figures and groups using their platforms to spread misinformation and false rhetoric against LGBTQ people, youth, and allies."<ref>"GLAAD Accountability Project," GLAAD, accessed June 7, 2024, https://glaad.org/gap.</ref>

The Project has a page on Anderson in which they criticize Anderson for, among other things, his belief that homosexuality is disordered including his defense of conversion therapy, his opposition to LGB rights including marriage and sexual activity, and his writings on the transgender movement in ''When Harry Became Sally''.<ref name="GLAAD">{{cite web|title=Ryan T. Anderson|url=https://glaad.org/gap/ryan-t-anderson/|website=[[GLAAD]]|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 08:48, 18 June 2024

Ryan T. Anderson
Anderson in May 2023
Born
Ryan Thomas Anderson

1981 (age 42–43)
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Education
Princeton University (AB)
Known forOpposition to LGBT rights in the United States, including the legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States, laws that ban discrimination against LGBT people, and laws that ban the practice of conversion therapy on children
Notable work
What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense
TitlePresident of the Ethics and Public Policy Center
MovementReligious conservatism

Ryan Thomas Anderson[1] (born 1981)[2] is an American religious conservative who is primarily known for his opposition to LGBT rights in the United States, including the legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States, laws that ban discrimination against LGBT people, and laws that ban the practice of conversion therapy on children.[3][4][5]

Anderson is currently president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center.[6] He was previously a research fellow at The Heritage Foundation,[7] and the founder and editor-in-chief of Public Discourse, an online journal of the Witherspoon Institute.[8]

Early life and education

Anderson was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1981,[2] the second youngest of five sons.[3] He attended Princeton University, where he received his B.A. degree, and then the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a Ph.D.[9]

Career

In November 2003, Anderson wrote an article for the Daily Princetonian, the student newspaper at Princeton University, comparing homosexual "characteristics" and homosexual "acts" to "alcoholism" and "the crimes of a pedophiliac priest" in arguing for his religious beliefs about homosexuality.[10][4][5]

In February 2007, Anderson wrote an article for First Things, a religious conservative journal, about his friend in which he speculated about his "problem" of same-sex attraction, said that his friend "suffers" same-sex attraction, mused about a "cure" for homosexuality, and claimed homosexuality as amidst "disorders".[11][4][5]

In 2012, Anderson wrote an article in which he promoted an article about advocates for a "cure" for homosexuality who fought against laws that ban the practice of conversion therapy on children and quoted his previous article in justification.[12][4][5]

In 2012, Anderson co-authored the book What Is Marriage? Man and Woman: A Defense with Sherif Girgis and his mentor Robert P. George, published by Encounter Books.[3][13] In it, they argued that the purpose of marriage is reproduction and thus same-sex marriage should not be possible. Justice Samuel Alito referenced the book in his dissenting opinion in United States v. Windsor.[3][14]

In 2014, Anderson wrote a dissertation titled Neither Liberal Nor Libertarian: A Natural Law Approach to Social Justice and Economic Rights, advised by University of Notre Dame professor Michael Zuckert.[9][2]

In 2017, Anderson co-wrote the book Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination with Girgis and John Corvino. The book received positive reviews for its constructive, back-and-forth discussion on religious freedom and anti-discrimination law.[15][16]

In 2018, Anderson released his book When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment.[17][18][19] The book, critical of what Anderson calls "transgenderism" and heavily influenced by the works of Paul R. McHugh, came under scrutiny after it topped the Amazon bestsellers list in the Gay & Lesbian Civil Rights History category.[20]

In 2019, Anderson wrote in opposition to a state law in Massachusetts that bans the practice of conversion therapy on children.[21][22][4][5]

In 2020, Anderson co-wrote an article with his mentor Robert P. George in which they claimed homosexual "inclinations" as "disordered" in criticizing Pope Francis for his support for the legal recognition of same-sex couples.[23][4][5]

On February 21, 2021, Anderson's book, When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment, was removed from Amazon.[24]

In February 2021, Anderson wrote an article in opposition to the Equality Act, which is a bill in the United States Congress that would ban discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in federal law.[25]

On March 11, 2021, Amazon explained its decision in a letter addressed to Republican Senators Marco Rubio, Mike Lee, Mike Braun, and Josh Hawley.[26] Anderson denied that his book described transgender people as "mentally ill."[27]

Personal life

Anderson is a Catholic.[28]

References

  1. ^ "O nowej teorii prawa naturalnego, małżeństwie i wolności religii" (in Polish). Central and Eastern European Online Library. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c Anderson, Ryan T. (2014). Neither liberal nor libertarian: a natural law approach to social justice and economic rights (Ph.D.). University of Notre Dame.
  3. ^ a b c d Barnes, Robert (April 15, 2015). "The right finds a fresh voice on same-sex marriage". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Ryan T. Anderson". GLAAD. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Rachel Percelay (June 17, 2015). "Meet Ryan Anderson, The Anti-LGBT 'Scholar' Peddling Junk Science To National Media". Media Matters for America. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  6. ^ "Ryan T. Anderson". Ethics and Public Policy Center. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  7. ^ Fitzsimons, Tim (January 29, 2019). "Conservative group hosts anti-transgender panel of feminists 'from the left'". NBC News. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  8. ^ "Masthead". Public Discourse. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  9. ^ a b "Ryan T. Anderson, Author at Ethics & Public Policy Center". Ethics & Public Policy Center. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  10. ^ Ryan Anderson (November 5, 2003). "Catholic teaching on sexuality asks the same of everyone". Daily Princetonian. Archived from the original on March 22, 2006. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  11. ^ Ryan T. Anderson (February 2007). "Struggling Alone". First Things. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  12. ^ Ryan T. Anderson (November 1, 2012). "The New York Times, Same-Sex Attraction, and Struggling Alone". First Things. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  13. ^ Worsnip, Alex (January 30, 2013). "Arguing against gay marriage". Prospect. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  14. ^ United States v. Windsor, 570 (U.S. 2013).
  15. ^ Picciotti-Bayer, Andrea (July 18, 2017). "Religious Liberty vs. Anti-Discrimination: Toward a 'Political Settlement'". National Review. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  16. ^ Vischer, Robert K. "Agreeing on How to Disagree". Commonweal. No. September 20, 2017. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  17. ^ Anderson, Ryan (2018). When Harry Became Sally: Responding to the Transgender Moment. Encounter. p. 264. ISBN 9781641770484.
  18. ^ Greenesmith, Heron (June 17, 2020). "Non-Affirming Therapists Endanger Trans Youth". Teen Vogue. Retrieved June 22, 2020.
  19. ^ Lu, Rachel (July 29, 2018). "The Assault on Reality". National Review. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  20. ^ Eunjung Cha, Ariana (February 2, 2018). "Ryan Anderson's book on transgender people is creating an uproar". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  21. ^ Christine Rousselle (April 11, 2019). "Mass. bans therapists from efforts to change minors' orientation or gender identity". Catholic News Agency. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  22. ^ "AMA supports federal ban on 'conversion therapy'". Catholic News Agency. November 25, 2019. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  23. ^ Ryan T. Anderson and Robert P. George (October 27, 2020). "Pope Francis, Civil Unions, and Moral Truth". Public Discourse. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
  24. ^ Fung, Katherine (February 22, 2021). "Best-Selling Controversial Book on Transgender People Removed From Amazon 3 Years After Publication". Newsweek. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  25. ^ Anderson, Ryan (February 21, 2021). "Biden's Equality Act is a danger to women's and conscience rights". New York Post. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  26. ^ Trachtenberg, Jeffrey (March 11, 2021). "Amazon won't sell books framing LGBTQ+ identities as mental illnesses". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  27. ^ Gstalter, Morgan (March 12, 2021). "Amazon removing books that frame LGBTQ issues as mental illness". The Hill.
  28. ^ "Franciscan University Welcomes Catholic Scholar, Ryan T. Anderson, PhD, as Visiting Fellow at the Veritas Center for Ethics in Public Life". Franciscan University of Steubenville. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
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