Full Breakdown
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Designates June as Faith and Family Month
6/12/2026, 4:32:39 AM
Proclamation of Faith and Family Month
On June 8, 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a proclamation naming June “Faith and Family Month” in Florida. The text describes Christian faith as a foundation for a united, moral community and the Biblical family unit as a model for a thriving society. It urges churches, faith-based groups, businesses and community partners to host events that strengthen relationships among spouses, parents and children, and highlights fatherhood as an influential and irreplaceable institution.
Political Context
The proclamation coincides with Pride Month, a nationwide LGBTQ celebration. In recent years several Republican-led states have introduced alternative June designations, such as Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ “Fidelity Month.” DeSantis’ action follows prior measures targeting LGBTQ visibility, including the 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” law and a 2021 ban on transgender students’ participation in school sports.
Key Figures & Groups
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the proclamation, and Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas posted it on X, praising the designation. The Family Research Council (FRC) issued a statement that Pride Month “is off to a faltering start again this year.” Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is also noted for a parallel June designation.
Official Statements & Responses
DeSantis’ proclamation states that faith offers strength, hope, and moral guidance, and that families practicing faith are less likely to experience abuse, addiction, fatherlessness, or family instability. Commissioner Kamoutsas quoted Joshua 24:15, noting that families sharing faith help build stronger communities.
Criticism & Opposition
Media reports describe the proclamation as part of DeSantis’ anti-LGBTQ agenda. Sources cite his comment that “In the state of Florida, we are not going to allow them to inject transgenderism into kindergarten” and note the administration’s use of slurs against LGBTQ people. Critics say the designation serves as a political statement opposing LGBTQ equality.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Christian faith has played a vital role in constructing our constitution, laws, and ideals” — Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida
- “the Biblical family unit became the initial God-ordained earthly institution providing the model for a thriving society.” — Ron DeSantis
- “strength, hope, and moral guidance” — Ron DeSantis
- “is off to a faltering start again this year,” — Family Research Council
Why It Matters / Impact
The proclamation has no legal effect but signals a continued political emphasis on traditional family values in Florida. It provides a platform for faith-based groups to organize events while drawing criticism from LGBTQ advocates who view the timing as a direct challenge to Pride celebrations.
What’s Next
State officials suggest similar designations could recur. LGBTQ groups are expected to respond with statements and events during Pride Month, and the upcoming Florida legislative session may address related education and civil-rights policies.
