Here’s Why Indiana is Celebrating the Nuclear Family This June

June 8, 2026 – By Marybeth Struble

Last Monday, Governor Braun signed a proclamation declaring that June shall be celebrated as “Nuclear Family Month.” It had formerly been celebrated nationally as a time to support those who identified with the LGBT movement. 

However, “pride,” in that sense, has never been associated with the roots of the American way. If anything, this movement goes against many of the biblical principles that have kept us strong as a nation for generations. On the other hand, the nuclear family has deep roots in our American heritage and is a part of what makes America so special. 

Looking at it statistically, 37% of American families still look like the traditional nuclear family, whereas the LGBT movement (a movement, not an American tradition) has a mere 9% of US citizens (and illegals) behind it.

If our country is going to dedicate a month to something and thus champion its importance, doesn’t it make more sense to choose a principle or tradition that has been a cornerstone of our prosperity, as opposed to a movement known for its battles with mental health challenges?

Coming up on our country’s 250th birthday, it seems especially fitting to champion one of the principles that causes our nation to be a light to the rest of the world for how it values life, all life, not just a select group, and seeks to better the next generation: The nuclear family.

The nuclear family is important for many reasons, but one in particular is posterity; how it affects our children. In Ephesians 6:4, we’re commanded, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” The devil knows that if he wants to tear down a Christian society, all he has to do is attack the family unit.

Just look at this study on how healthy families impact adolescent health: “The study confirms the pivotal role of family functioning in adolescents’ mental health and well-being. Family environments characterized by high cohesion, adaptability, and healthy communication are protective against anxiety and are related to increased self-esteem. These positive family dynamics provide a conducive environment for psychological resilience and well-being in adolescents.”

The analysis continues, “an individual [child]’s dysfunctional conduct indicates dysfunction within the familial system that they are a part of.”

And on a different, but still important, level, the NIH has this to say: “Children coming from single/divorced families were […] more likely to have a diagnosis of ADHD compared to other types of families.”

The traditional nuclear family has been a common practice since the 13th century and a staple of the American way since our country was formed. Fathers were the breadwinners, allowing the mothers to stay at home and care for the children. These small family units had close intimacy and strong support systems within each other, allowing their children to thrive. 

After all, the whole reason why the separatists decided to leave their home in England was because of the religious freedoms they craved for themselves and their children. They wanted to live Godly lives with their families, so they went searching for a land where they could do that.

Fast forward a few years, and the Revolutionary War is being waged. Like their separatist ancestors, these patriots were fighting so they, but more importantly, their children could enjoy their God-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

And then after WWII, America had just emerged victorious after years of uncertainty, despair and bloodshed. But the allies had won and thus preserved a world for the next generation to keep living out the American dream. The traditional nuclear family became championed even more than ever, and the nation as a whole thrived.

Fast forward one more time to present-day America. An America where “family” now includes single moms, same-sex parents, and parents giving their mental and emotional best to their careers rather than their children.

This shift means parents aren’t able to live out their first calling: to nurture and raise their children. Instead, parents are encouraged to focus on themselves and let the schools and government supply the responsibilities God gave to them.

That’s why God declared to the Israelites, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

The nuclear family is not only God’s design for how He wants His children to live together, but it also models how children should be raised up to not be led astray into sin.

Celebrating homosexuality or failing to recognize the historical as well as spiritual significance of the nuclear family is a failure to remember what makes America great as well as the many ways God has blessed and sustained us – not only as a nation, but as individual family units. 

In Matthew 18:6, Jesus says, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

God’s commands are clear. They’re for our good. Our children’s good. Our nation’s good. And that’s something to celebrate.

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Indiana is Reclaiming June – Let’s Celebrate Nuclear Family Month!

For years, June has been commandeered by the LGBT movement as “Pride Month.” Now, Indiana is reclaiming it to focus on something far more enduring and worthy of celebration: the family.

On Monday, Governor Mike Braun signed a proclamation declaring June 2026 to be Nuclear Family Month in the State of Indiana. IFI is proud to have been a driving force behind making this landmark moment a reality.

Over the past several weeks, we have been working closely with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s offices to bring this proclamation to life. It recognizes what we have always believed: that the nuclear family is God’s design for the family structure, the foundation of a healthy society, and the most effective means of raising children into capable adults. It also ties this celebration to a bigger moment. As our nation marks America’s 250th anniversary, strengthening families has never been more important.

Every child deserves a mom and a dad. Research consistently shows that when moms and dads love each other and love their children well, the effects ripple outward in powerful ways, such as reducing rates of mental health struggles, substance abuse, criminal activity, and childhood poverty. Strong families are not just good for children – they are the bedrock of safe, thriving communities. 

While we recognize that no family is perfect, there is a profound difference between families that fall short of perfection and a culture that deliberately denies children a mom or a dad, placing the desires of adults above the needs of children. When we thumb our nose at God’s design for the family, the consequences are not just personal; they are generational, and they touch every corner of society. God’s perfect design for the family simply works, and that’s what we’re celebrating in Indiana this June. We encourage you to join in the celebration with us! Share the proclamation with your friends, family, and church community. Post it on social media. Talk about it. Let’s make sure Hoosiers know that Indiana stands for strong families. This victory is possible because of your continued support of IFI’s work. Thank you for standing with us!

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Founding Fathers’ Message Unclear: MS NOW host uses God-given rights to kick God out of the Declaration of Independence

May 26, 2026 – By IFI

AMERICA, 1776 – Jefferson, Adams and Franklin are hunched over a creaky wooden table, rereading their work for the millionth time.

“Could we be any clearer?” Adams asks, looking to both men for reassurance.

All eyes flit down to the section he’s talking about. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Jefferson shakes his head. “It’s plain as day. It’s the premise of why we’re writing the document, for heaven’s sake!”

“Agreed.” Franklin’s face scrunches. “Although if someone were to misinterpret…” Silence falls over the men like a fog. Franklin clears his throat. “I just don’t see how that’s possible. They’d have to misunderstand our entire purpose for writing this.” All nod.

“Carry on, then.” Adams says. The discussion continues…

AMERICA, PRESENT DAY – Katy Tur, a celebrated MS NOW host, recently led a discussion on Mike Johnson’s “disputable” statements regarding the Declaration of Independence.

“What about this passage [where he] declar[es] that ‘Our rights do not derive from the government. They come from you: Our Creator and Heavenly Father.’” Tur squinted at the camera. “Is this him putting God over the Declaration of Independence?” 

Many of Katy’s viewers agreed with this question. Reporters caught this conversation between a few of them after the show ended. “If the founding fathers had really meant that our rights come from God, they should have just SAID that!” huffed the group’s leader.

One of the quieter members piped up, “But the declaration does say that, though–”

“Oh yeah? Sure it does.” Another girl mocked, rolling her eyes.

“Besides,” their leader continued, “why would you want to take rights from an unpredictable God when you have a trustworthy government looking out for your welfare? I think what the founding fathers really intended is quite clear.”

Meanwhile, up in Heaven, Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin exchange glances. “Apparently not.”

Note: This is a satirical piece. All individuals, quotes, and scenarios are fictionalized.

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Indy professors baffled at receiving an ‘F’ for political tolerance. Meanwhile, campus-wide brawl breaks out over hurt feelings.

May 21, 2026 – By Marybeth Struble

INDIANA – College professors were stunned this week after finding out the state received an F overall for political tolerance. 

But the report that brought this bad news didn’t stop there. It also ranked IU Bloomington as one of the worst colleges in the nation, 255 out of 257. Reporters went to investigate how the students and faculty were holding up after this devastating news and hear their opinions.

Esteemed professor, Dr. C.N. Shorship, told reporters, “I just don’t understand how we got an F. Here at IU Bloomington we promote freedom of expression in all of its forms…and that includes getting physical with someone if they happen to disagree with you.”

One of Dr. Shorship’s students shared a similar sentiment, “This is Hoosier discrimination at its finest!” he yelled at reporters. “I say we find those bigots and give them an F!”

The campus is currently in an outrage. Students and faculty caught defending the report have been tackled on sight, and in the cafeteria, pelting the disagreers with fruit has been highly encouraged.

Dr. Shorship smiled when he walked in on the ensuing chaos. “It makes me so happy to see our students embracing freedom of speech. I mean, who cares about a report when you get to see this first-hand?”

A conservative student, disguised in Groucho glasses, had a different take on the situation. “Biggest mistake of my life saying that report was spot on! I’ve had to go in cognito mode ever since! I’m afraid if I take these glasses off someone will recognize me and I’ll get tackled on the spot. There’s no way I’m letting that happen.” The student looked dazed. “Not again.”

In other news, California teachers celebrate not being the only state the report gave an F to.

Note: This is a satirical piece. All individuals, quotes, and scenarios are fictionalized.

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Indiana’s 2026 Legislative Session is Over. Here’s What Happened.

As the 2026 Indiana legislative session came to a close, I reflected on what felt like the quickest two months in memory. Although the session was formally longer due to early convening for redistricting work, the pace never let up – and neither did we.

We saw important victories for families and faith-centered policy, including meaningful advances in religious liberty, protections for minors on social media, and parental rights. Here are a few of the highlights:

House Bill 1389 – “Religious Liberty for Adoption and Foster Care”

HB 1389 prohibits state and local officials from discriminating against foster parents, adoptive parents, or adoption and foster care providers based on their religious beliefs or moral convictions, including through the denial of grants or funding, termination of contracts, or loss of licensure or accreditation of providers. The bill also clarifies that agencies may consider a child’s religious background when making placement decisions, helping promote stability and continuity.

This bill fosters an environment where people of faith can carry out essential work, often at great personal sacrifice, while also expanding the number of individuals able to care for vulnerable children. The bill does not reduce safety standards or prevent anyone from fostering or adopting; it simply ensures that people of faith can serve without being forced to abandon their convictions.

Senate Bill 88 – “Good Citizen Instruction”

This bill mandates that part of the Good Citizenship Instruction include teaching the importance of obtaining a high school diploma or other training before entering the workforce, securing full-time employment, and waiting until marriage to begin having children. Research shows that young adults who follow the success sequence have dramatically lower rates of poverty in adulthood.

House Bill 1408 – “Social Media Restrictions on Minors”

This measure requires social media platforms to seek verifiable parental consent for adolescent users (under 16) to be account holders and defaults Indiana adolescents’ accounts into a highly restricted, parent-supervised version of the platform, with certain addictive features disabled – such as no targeted algorithms, limited messaging, no public discoverability, and built-in time controls.

Research shows that social media use among children under 16 is linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, body image concerns, and exposure to sexual exploitation, with developing brains especially vulnerable to dopamine-driven feedback loops created by algorithmic recommendations and continuous-content design. Adolescents often lack the maturity to navigate these risks independently. By requiring parental consent and defaulting minor accounts into a restricted, supervised format, this legislation ensures that parents – not platforms – retain primary authority over their child’s digital exposure.

Senate Bill 76 – “Immigration Matters”

This comprehensive immigration enforcement measure strengthens state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities by requiring government bodies to honor federal immigration detainer requests and establishing enforcement mechanisms. The bill also bans knowingly hiring unauthorized workers, requires certain reporting on immigration-related data, and sets training and inspection requirements for county jails.

This legislation is necessary because Indiana families feel the downstream effects of federal immigration failures. When unlicensed or improperly credentialed commercial drivers operate on our highways, and when fentanyl and other deadly narcotics flow into our communities through transnational trafficking networks, it is Hoosier families who bear the consequences. These pressures strain local resources and erode neighborhood safety, which is why SB 76 prioritizes cooperation with law enforcement and accountability to better protect Hoosier families.

House Bill 1035 – “Permissible Unsupervised Activity”

This bill clarifies that a child is not a child in need of services solely because a parent allows age-appropriate, independent activities such as playing outside, riding a bike, or walking to school. It affirms that reasonable independence is not neglect and that state intervention should be reserved for true danger –  recognizing that parents are best positioned to determine what is appropriate for their child.

We should encourage outdoor, play-based childhoods rather than phone-based ones. Independent play helps children assess risk, solve problems, build resilience, and develop confidence. At a time when childhood freedom in the real world has declined even as virtual exposure has expanded, this bill restores balance by protecting both parental authority and healthy childhood development.

At the same time, I know many of you share the sense that this session was somewhat disappointing overall. In many areas where we hoped for stronger progress, such as protecting the safety and privacy of women and girls, empowering parents with greater control over medical decisions, cracking down on the intoxicating hemp loophole, and restricting the epidemic of abortion drugs in our state – among many other important initiatives.

The fight for authentic family-centered public policy does not get easier –  it gets more urgent.

Looking ahead to 2027, we are already gearing up for a bigger and more strategic session.

There are key issues on the horizon that will demand our full attention:

• The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision this summer in the women’s sports cases, West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox. Although Indiana has already enacted legislation to protect women’s sports, these rulings will shape the national legal landscape and will create momentum for more comprehensive policies to preserve safety and privacy for girls and women in bathrooms, locker rooms, and other private spaces.
• Marijuana and hemp legalization have emerged repeatedly in recent sessions. Though this year’s proposals did not pass, we expect this issue to resurface – and we must be prepared with strong facts, compelling advocacy, and grassroots engagement to protect children and families from greater access, normalization, and harms tied to expanded cannabis use.
• Clarifying the definition of sex in Indiana code and preventing sex designation changes is likely to remain a legislative priority because current law contains no clear statewide definition, leaving courts and state agencies to interpret the issue inconsistently. As a result, policymakers are expected to revisit this issue next session to provide clear statutory guidance, preserve the integrity of vital records, and ensure that sex-based protections in law are applied consistently across the state.
• Gambling policy will likely remain an ongoing issue for the Indiana General Assembly as proposals to relocate or expand casino licenses continue to surface. As neighboring states expand gaming and pressure grows to capture additional revenue, lawmakers will need to carefully weigh those economic interests against the potential social costs to families and communities.

These and other emerging legal and cultural battlegrounds will define the next decade of our work. Your support today fuels the planning, research, and coalition-building we need to show up stronger, earlier, and with deeper impact when the next session begins.

Thank you for standing with us through a fast-paced session, for celebrating the victories that matter, and for preparing to lean into the work still ahead. We couldn’t do this without your faithful partnership.

If you feel led, please click the button below to make a donation to support our work. Every dollar counts in the fight to maintain Christian values in the legislature.

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