State Affairs panel advances resolution recognizing ‘traditional family values’ month after debate

The State Affairs Committee advanced House Concurrent Resolution 18, a symbolic measure to designate the period from Mother’s Day through Father’s Day as a month recognizing traditional family values, and sent it to the House floor with a do-pass recommendation.

The resolution’s sponsor, Representative Joe Alfieri, said the text “recognize[s] that the core of Western civilization and the strongest foundation for the growth of children and the success of society is the traditional family,” and described the month as a way to spotlight that view while not “denigrating other forms.” He told the committee he and a Senate colleague are “not from traditional families,” and said the resolution “doesn’t discount other forms.”

In remote testimony, Kate Hartley, an attorney with the Pacific Justice Institute, urged passage and cited a 1977 U.S. Supreme Court decision, saying “the constitution protects the sanctity of the family precisely because the institution of the family is deeply rooted in the nation’s history and tradition.” Hartley also told the committee her organization has seen “an increase in censorship of and retaliation against those who openly speak about traditional families and traditional values.”

Representative Akiles said she would vote no and explained her objections in a short speech, saying the measure “could have been written to be inclusive, to emphasize the value of stable, secure families.” She added, “Instead we’re using the resources of the Idaho legislature at the people’s expense to yet again undermine the tradition and the freedoms of Idaho adults to live and love how they want.” Akiles also argued historical divorce statistics cited in the resolution did not reflect comparable social conditions in 1950 and urged the committee to focus on policies that support all families, including education funding, affordable housing and health care. She said many loving parents she knows are same-sex couples.

Representative Scott moved to send the resolution to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee disposed of the motion by voice vote; members asked to be recorded voting no were Representative Akiles and Representative Green. The committee chair announced the motion carried and the resolution will appear on the House calendar.

No other witnesses registered opposition at the hearing; Kate Hartley was the only member of the public listed as testifying. The resolution, as advanced, is a nonbinding ceremonial recognition and does not create new statutory requirements.