wedge issue

American  

noun

1. an issue that divides or causes conflict in an otherwise unified group.

   Abortion is a wedge issue for the Republican Party.

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wedge issue British  

noun

1. an issue that is likely to cause division between the members of a group

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Etymology

Origin of wedge issue

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

“I became in and of myself a symbol for people who wanted to stoke the so-called culture wars and wanted to use race as a wedge issue, I became a powerful totem in that way,” Hannah-Jones said.

From Washington Post

Even so, she has gone out of her way not to turn the death penalty into a wedge issue.

From Salon

In Latin America, it is common for people to dismiss racism and deem class the primary wedge issue between groups, Hernández added.

From Los Angeles Times

Phil Mickelson, a master of the short irons, suddenly finds himself in the middle of golf’s biggest wedge issue.

From Los Angeles Times

“I didn’t do it as a wedge issue,” Mr. Perdue said.

From Washington Times