Republican Governors Proclaim June as Traditional Family Month

Republican governors in multiple states have issued proclamations designating June with titles that emphasize traditional family units rather than Pride Month. The governors of Indiana and Tennessee named the month Nuclear Family Month. Their proclamations describe the nuclear family as one husband, one wife and any biological, adopted or fostered children.

In Alabama the designation is Strong Families Month. The proclamation states that fathers are the head of the household and that homes led by a father and mother provide children with structure and discipline.

Arkansas labeled June as Fidelity Month.

The designation stresses fidelity to faith, country and family without specifying family composition. Arkansas officials posted on social media that the state was counter-programming Pride Month. They have not responded to questions about why the proclamations were issued in June.

Republican lawmakers in at least four other GOP-controlled states introduced legislation this year to designate June as Fidelity Month. An organization founded by a Princeton University professor of jurisprudence has promoted the concept since 2023.

LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations said the proclamations do not need to conflict with Pride observances. Many LGBTQ+ people also value faith and family, they noted. Pride events in Alabama and Indiana are proceeding as planned. Organizers said the celebrations will continue regardless of the state proclamations.

" — Jordan Braxton, co-president of USA Prides A conservative activist who helped draft Tennessee’s measure said the timing was chosen to counter Pride Month. She described the effort as reclaiming culture in a month when other events celebrate values she views as opposite to traditional ones.

Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts said the recognitions are useful because Pride celebrations had made it difficult to celebrate traditional marriage.