SALT LAKE CITY — Republican governors in five states have designated June as Nuclear Family Month, Strong Families Month, or Fidelity Month. This initiative occurs during a month typically observed as Pride Month.
The governors of Indiana and Tennessee designated June as Nuclear Family Month. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey designated June as Strong Families Month. Her proclamation states that fathers are the head of the household and that homes with both a father and mother provide children with structure and discipline necessary to succeed throughout life. Meanwhile, the governors of Utah and Arkansas designated June as Fidelity Month.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, "Another Red State is Counter-Programming Pride Month." Fidelity Month emphasizes fidelity to faith, country, and family. Republican lawmakers in at least four other GOP-controlled states also introduced legislation this year to designate June as Fidelity Month, though their resolutions did not receive a legislative vote.
The Tennessee Legislature and governor approved a resolution stating the nuclear family is under attack in the state and nation. Conservative activist Lakie Derrick, who co-authored the Tennessee measure, said, "We're just reclaiming the culture, and there's no better month to do that than in a month where the culture says we're gonna celebrate something so opposite to what we know to be right."
Josh Coleman, president of Central Alabama Pride, said, "It's not lost upon LGBTQ people when elected leaders don't recognize or value the visibility of the community." He said, "That's why Pride started in the first place to make sure the community had a community." Central Alabama Pride has scheduled 42 events over a two-week period, including a parade on June 13 and a festival on June 14.