Family Research Institute

The Family Research Institute (FRI), originally known as the Institute for the Scientific Investigation of Sexuality (ISIS), is an American non-profit organization based in Colorado Springs, Colorado which states that it has "...one overriding mission: to generate empirical research on issues that threaten the traditional family, particularly homosexuality, AIDS, sexual social policy, and drug abuse." [http://www.familyresearchinst.org/index.html Official website] , Retrieved 20-Jun-2008] FRI is part of a movement of small, often faith-based organizations (sometimes called the "Christian Right") which seek to influence the political debate in the United States. They seek "...to restore a world where marriage is upheld and honored, where children are nurtured and protected, and where homosexuality is not taught and accepted, but instead is discouraged and rejected at every level."

FRI's is run by Paul Cameron, who earned his doctorate in psychology at the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1966. Dr. Cameron founded the "Institute for the Scientific Investigation of Sexuality" in 1982, and this institute later became FRI. Boston Globe. "Beliefs drive research agenda of new think tanks", 31-Jul-2005] Considerable controversy surrounds Dr. Cameron and his research. [http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=588 Southern Poverty Law Center article] ] The American Psychological Association (APA) dropped Cameron from its membership on December 2, 1983 for lack of cooperation in an inquiry into his research methods. [Herek, Gregory, [http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/facts_cameron_sheet.html Paul Cameron Bio and Fact Sheet] , University of California, Davis Psychology Department. Retrieved 05-04-2007. ] However, Dr. Cameron maintains he had already resigned from the APA before they dropped him from membership. [Burroway, Jim, [http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/Articles/000,010.htm Paul Cameron vs. Professional Ethics] , March 21, 2006. Retrieved 05-04-2007. ] [ [http://www.familyresearchinst.org/FRI_APA-rebuttal.html Revisiting New Republic's Attack on Cameron] , Family Research Report, Nov-Dec, 1994. Retrieved 05-04-2007. ]

The "Boston Globe" reported that FRI's 2005 budget was less than $200,000. The FRI website lists only one scientist on staff, apart from Paul Cameron, Dr. Kirk Cameron.

The Family Research Institute is considered a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. [cite web |url=http://www.splcenter.org/intel/map/hate.jsp?S=CO&m=5 |title=Active U.S. Hate Groups in 2006: Colorado |accessdate=2007-10-22 |author=Southern Poverty Law Center |year=2007 ]

References

External links

* [http://www.familyresearchinst.org/index.html Official website]