The governors of several U.S. states, including Utah, Arkansas, Tennessee, Indiana, and Alabama, have designated June as 'Fidelity Month,' 'Nuclear Family Month,' or 'Strong Families Month' to promote traditional values, either replacing or supplementing Pride Month celebrations.
Proclamations Issued by State Leaders
Utah Governor Spencer Cox, who had previously signed Pride Month proclamations, formally declared June 'Fidelity Month.' In his announcement, he cited a perceived decline in American support for traditional values such as faith, family, patriotism, and community involvement. Similarly, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared 'Fidelity Month,' emphasizing that fidelity to God, family, community, and country contributes to a stable society.
Criticism from LGBTQ+ Advocates
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including Project Rainbow Utah, have strongly criticized these declarations. They described Governor Cox's change in stance as a 'slap in the face,' arguing that it dismisses LGBTQ+ individuals and unfairly implies they lack traditional values. The proclamations have sparked debate over the role of state governments in promoting specific cultural values.
Broader Context of Declining Support
These state-level declarations coincide with a new Gallup poll indicating that support for same-sex marriage and relationships in the U.S. has plateaued, with a notable decline observed among Republicans. The poll suggests that while overall support remains high, the momentum for further acceptance may be slowing.
The move by these states reflects a broader cultural divide, with some officials seeking to emphasize traditional family structures amid ongoing debates about LGBTQ+ rights and recognition.
