Calif. county dubs June ‘Traditional’ family month, excluding LGBTQ+ families

While Pride celebrations are taking place across California this month, one county has voted to make June the “Traditional Nuclear Family” month while pointedly excluding LGBTQ+ families. 

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On Tuesday, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted 3 to 2 in favor of the resolution, which defines the nuclear family as “consisting of one husband, one wife,” along with children, as “God’s design.”

The resolution was introduced by Chairman of the Board Garry Bredefeld, who announced the plan on June 6, the same day as the Fresno Pride Parade. 

This resolution is modeled after similar measures in Republican-led states, including Indiana, Tennessee and Alabama, that celebrate the “traditional” nuclear family in June, despite the month long being associated with LGBTQ+ pride celebrations.

Bredefeld said in the meeting that his resolution doesn’t “take away anything” from anyone in the community. “What it does do is recognize and celebrate an institution that has served as the foundation of civilization for centuries, the traditional nuclear family,” he said.

In the meeting, the supervisors allowed up to 15 people to speak on behalf of each side. Fifteen people spoke against the resolution, and 12 spoke in favor of it. Those who criticized the measure called it an “attack” on LGBTQ+ families and individuals and asked the board not to pass it. 

“This proposed proclamation declaring June as Nuclear Family Month is problematic for countless reasons,” Tracie Cisneros said during the public comment portion. “While many people see it as an obvious attack on the LGBTQ+ community, its language sends a message to many other members of this county that their families are somewhat broken.” 

The supporters said nuclear families made up of a heterosexual couple and children were the “best” option for children and would help lead to stable communities. 

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“I wanted to point out a little hypocrisy here,” one man said during the public comment. “There’s over three months and 28 days where we’re supposed to be celebrating what someone’s sexual preference is. I stand today in strong support of declaring Nuclear Family Month in Fresno County.”

Two of the county supervisors, Luis Chavez and Brian Pacheco, voted against the resolution. 

“Becoming a foster parent, I sat next to gay couples that were willing to open their loving home and provide a safe and healthy environment for our children, and that’s not recognized in this resolution,” Chavez said. 

The meeting became contentious at times, with members of the public booing Bredefeld after he refused to change language to include LGBTQ+ families in the resolution. Bredefeld then yelled for those booing to be removed.

While California remains a deep blue state, Fresno County is more conservative, with 51% of the electorate voting to reelect Donald Trump in 2024.