Tony Abbott will address a far-right Christian group in the United States which lobbies against same-sex marriage and abortion.

The former prime minister is travelling to the US this week to address the Alliance Defending Freedom, according to Fairfax Media.

The group has been heavily involved in fighting the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the US and most recently has been campaigning against Planned Parenthood accusing it of being involved in “the gruesome baby parts trade”.

“Marriage and family, therefore, are the foundation of society. But when culture fails to respect and promote marriage, countless individuals, particularly women, children, and the underprivileged, suffer needless emotional and material hardships,” the group’s website says.

Abbott is reportedly giving a speech on “the importance of family”.

Abbott departs Australia after confirming he intends to stay in parliament and will recontest his seat of Warringah at this year’s federal election.



“I have been heartened by the support and encouragement I’ve received to continue to serve the country as a member of parliament,” he said in a statement posted on his website on Sunday night.

The Alliance Defending Freedom funds attorneys to fight in court in cases involving same-sex marriage and abortion. The group, established in 1994, initially helped fund attorneys for people who needed them in such cases but in recent years has begun initiating the litigations.

Abbott’s office has been contacted for comment.