Republican Governors Proclaim June as Nuclear Family Recognition Month

Governors in Indiana, Tennessee, Arkansas and Utah have issued proclamations designating June as a month focused on the nuclear family or fidelity. Alabama’s proclamation names Strong Families Month and highlights the role of fathers as heads of household.

Arkansas proclamations create Fidelity Month, emphasizing fidelity to faith, country and family without specifying family structure. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders posted a link on X to an article describing the action as counter-programming. Republican lawmakers in at least four additional GOP-controlled states introduced legislation this year to designate June as Fidelity Month.

The concept was advanced by an organization founded by Princeton University professor Robert P. George.

Month observances began in 1970 to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Inn raid and have since expanded to cities worldwide. Every Democratic president since Bill Clinton has issued a Pride proclamation; no Republican president has done so. Jordan Braxton, co-president of USA Prides, said the proclamations will not remove pride or joy from the community.

Lakie Derrick, a conservative activist who helped draft the Tennessee measure, said the timing was chosen to counter Pride Month, which she said goes against American values. Marina Lowe of Equality Utah said the recognitions need not conflict because many LGBTQ+ people also value faith and family.

Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, said the conservative recognitions are useful because Pride celebrations have made it difficult to celebrate traditional marriage. Josh Coleman, president of Central Alabama Pride, said the group’s 42 events, including a June 13 parade and June 14 festival, will proceed regardless of the state proclamation.