Schlafly, Phyllis [key], 1924–2016, American conservative activist, b. St. Louis, Mo., as Phyllis McAlpin Stewart, grad. Washington Univ. (B.A. 1944, J.D. 1978), Harvard (M.A. 1945). A Republican, she was an anticommunist crusader in the 1950s and 60s and ran for Congress unsuccessfully three times (1952, 1960, 1970). She is best known for the ultimately successful campaign she organized (1972) to deny ratification to the Equal Rights Amendment, which she denounced as damaging to the family. Schlafly, a vehement opponent of abortion and gay marriage as well, founded (1972) the Eagle Forum, an ultraconservative interest group focused on social issues. She was the author of more than 20 books, a syndicated columnist, and a radio commentator.
See biographies by C. Felsenthal (1981) and D. T. Critchlow (2005).
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