Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, recently signed legislation that designates June as “Nuclear Family Month” instead of “Pride Month.”
The bill affirms that a family consisting of a husband, wife, and their children — whether biological, adopted, or foster — is “God’s design for familial structure and has been the bedrock of society since the creation of the world.” It also recognizes families as the foundation of Tennessee and the U.S.
The bill additionally addresses the harms that incomplete families create, pointing to studies that show fatherlessness is linked to rates of higher poverty, mental health crises among children, substance abuse, youth suicide, and incarceration, among other issues.
Further, the legislation rejects ideologies that promote abortion or sterilization, saying that Tennessee’s values “do not align” with those of entities like the World Health Organization or United Nations that “fight for population control.”
“The nuclear family is God's perfect design for humanity and is aligned with the long-held traditional values of Tennessee,” the bill reads in part, later continuing, “The nuclear family is under attack in our beloved State and nation, and it is our responsibility to uplift, protect, and support values that help Tennessee prosper.”
The resolution is intended to “commend the noble endeavors of those who seek to protect and strengthen the traditional values of our State and country.”
According to the New York Post, pro-LGBT organization GLAAD criticized the bill for replacing “Pride Month.”
“The strongest families are grounded by love. Lawmakers trying to exclude and intentionally harm some families should be recognized as actively harming all by not focusing their time working for an inclusive Tennessee where all are welcome and can succeed,” GLAAD stated.
Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, who is running for governor this year, took to X in support of the measure.
“Bravo Tennessee,” she posted. “The nuclear family is under attack, and the Volunteer State is fighting back.”