Bill Gothard founded the Institute in Basic Life Principles which some people call a conservative Christian cult. It has very strict gender roles that circumscribe women’s lives, forbidding higher education, choosing their spouse, ordering what clothing they wear, and prohibiting cutting their hair. The Duggars are part of this ministry.
Gothard was accused of sexual harassment and molestation by thirty women in 2014. Then in 2016, another ten women came forward. The women sued the IBLP for allowing Gothard free rein to molest and harass women, but the case was dismissed due to the statute of limitation.
- Washington Post: New charges allege religious leader, who has ties to the Duggars, sexually abused women
- Ministry Watch: Former Plaintiffs in Bill Gothard Abuse Lawsuit Hit Back at Institute in Basic Life Principles’ Statement to NBC News
- Daily News: EXCLUSIVE: Two women share shocking accounts of forced labor and sexual abuse by prominent Christian leader Bill Gothard
Chicago, Illinois · Thursday, March 03, 2016