A controversial network of ultra-conservatives that has been called an anti-LGBT ‘hate group’ in the US has forged increasing links with senior European politicians including heads of state, cabinet ministers and MPs, openDemocracy can reveal.
The World Congress of Families (WCF) – a global network of US, Russian and other ultra-conservative activists – is next meeting in Verona, Italy, this week. Among the expected guests will be representatives and supporters of several far-right parties looking to win big in the next European Parliament elections in May.
This network crosses borders to oppose abortion, sex education, same-sex marriage and bolster the power of religious institutions. Matteo Salvini, Italy’s interior minister and leader of the far-right Lega party, is due to address their meeting and has positioned it as a showcase for “the Europe that we like”.
