Another Red State Is Counter-Programming Pride Month, Focusing On Family Instead Arkansas Republican Governor Sarah Sanders has declared June as Fidelity Month, replacing the state’s traditional recognition of Pride Month. In a statement reviewed by The Daily Wire, Sanders framed the designation as a celebration of “faith, liberty, and patriotism,” emphasizing Arkansas’ commitment to “God, family, community, and country.” The resolution highlights the state’s goal of fostering a “healthy, stable, well-ordered society” by reaffirming its dedication to the values outlined in the nation’s founding documents. The declaration positions June as a time to reflect on the “commitments to the values and virtues found in the nation’s founding documents,” with Sanders asserting that Arkansas’ identity is rooted in spiritual and civic institutions. The move aligns with similar actions in other conservative states, including Tennessee, where Republican Governor Bill Lee declared June “Nuclear Family Month.” Tennessee’s resolution celebrates the traditional family structure, defined as “one husband, one wife, and any biological, adopted, or fostered children.” Arkansas has not formally recognized Pride Month in past years, though some cities within the state continue to host pride events. Sanders’ declaration marks a deliberate shift from previous years, framing the state’s decision as a counter to what she describes as the LGBTQ movement’s influence. The resolution states that the state aims to “cultivate fidelity to God, family, community, and country,” arguing that such values contribute to “human flourishing.” The decision to prioritize Fidelity Month over Pride Month comes amid broader changes in the visibility of LGBTQ-related events.#arkansas #tennessee #bill_lee #sarah_sanders #pride_month
Tennessee Governor Signs Bill Blocking State Medical Marijuana Legalization Review Following Federal Rescheduling Tennessee’s governor has signed a bill to block an automatic review that could have potentially legalized medical marijuana under state law following the federal rescheduling of the drug. Under Tennessee law, federal reclassification of a substance generally triggers an automatic review by the state’s commissioner of health and commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services. However, the newly approved SB1603, signed by Governor Bill Lee (R) on Thursday, prevents this process from applying to cannabis. The bill explicitly states that if marijuana is rescheduled or deleted as a controlled substance under federal law, the state commissioner of mental health and substance abuse services will not reschedule or delete marijuana under state drug laws unless the state legislature establishes a regulatory framework and authorizes the commissioner to do so. The governor’s action coincided with the U.S. Department of Justice’s announcement that it is formally moving forward with marijuana rescheduling. Last month, House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R) had emphasized that the federal effort to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act could remove roadblocks at the state level. Lamberth noted that his primary objections to medical marijuana legalization were being addressed by the federal government, allowing doctors to determine the therapeutic use of cannabis. With Lee’s bill, Tennessee will no longer automatically review cannabis rescheduling under state law, though lawmakers could still pass legislation to legalize medical marijuana if they choose. Rep.#us_department_of_justice #tennessee_governor #bill_lee #sb1603 #house_majority_leader_william_lamberth
