Leading Conservative Backs Efforts to Ban Abortion in Florida

Tony Perkins, the former Louisiana state legislator who now leads the Family Research Council, a prominent social and religious conservative group, announced on Thursday that he is backing attempts in Florida to ban all abortions. Personhood Florida is attempting to push a state constitutional amendment similar to the one that went down in defeat in Mississippi last year.

"I applaud the good folks of Florida for challenging the culture of death and championing life at all stages, Perkins said in a statement. The Florida ProLife Personhood Amendment is a reflection of a growing pro-life sentiment across the country and points toward a post-Roe era. I support the petition drive for this amendment and look forward to the day it can go before the voters in Florida."

"For a long time, we have sought the endorsement of Tony Perkins," said Pastor Bryan Longworth, the director of Personhood Florida. Because of their consistent stand for biblical values, Tony Perkins and the Family Research Council have developed a large network of pastors and churches who stand boldly for the sanctity of human life, traditional marriage, and other key issues. With this endorsement, Personhood Florida will have credibility when encouraging churches and pastors to collect signatures for the new Florida ProLife Personhood Amendment Petition. Thank you Tony Perkins and the Family Research Council for standing boldly to defend innocent human life."

With Jan. 22 marking the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, Personhood Florida will be trying to mobilize social and religious conservatives behind their proposed amendment.