Letter: Gov. Cox’s “Fidelity Month” declaration is a step backwards for Utah
Lilli smiles as she watches the Salt Lake Pride Parade on Sunday, June 7, 2026. ” is a sad step backwards for Utah.
As Project Rainbow Utah noted in The Salt Lake Tribune’s piece, Cox’s declaration – which encourages recommitment to faith, family, patriotism and community — insinuates that “ LGBTQ+ people don’t have families of their own, faith that they nourish, or a sense of patriotism that inspires them to make their community and country better . ” LGBTQ+ people are an important and valuable part of our communities and families; they deserve freedom, respect and equality as much as anyone else.
Pride Month should be a time to celebrate that. I am also troubled by the declaration’s strong emphasis on faith. Cox describes faith as supposedly critical to the United States’ survival, and says Americans should share “ I am a patriotic American. I am also an atheist.
Indeed, it was during my journey to atheism that I felt most deeply connected to the unique freedoms Americans enjoy. My freedom to think, speak and form my own opinions is guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. And my choice to question and ultimately leave religion has not made me a lesser person.
If anything, it’s given me a greater sense of urgency in becoming involved in my community and striving to make this world a better place, because I believe this is the one life I have. Cox’s implication that nonbelieving, law-abiding, hard-working, productive citizens like me don’t contribute to the future of America is insulting, false and exclusionary.
It’s also a serious disservice to the concept of individual liberty – liberty which runs deep in my heart and in the hearts of all patriotic Americans. sltrib.com is now free to access — no subscription required. We made this decision because we believe access to trustworthy, independent news shouldn’t depend on what you can afford — especially as misinformation and AI-generated content continue to rise. Free to read doesn’t mean free to produce.
Our reporters show up every day to ask hard questions and hold powerful institutions to account. That work takes resources. As a nonprofit newsroom, we rely on support from people who believe it matters. Make a donation today to fund local news that serves Utah communities.
A dispute over a prized Star Wars Lego collection led to a YouTube crusade. Then came the stalking charges in Utah.
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Road closures, delays expected as thousands attend Utah Pride Parade in downtown Salt LakeSalt Lake City police reminded Utahns of road closures and traffic delays ahead of the Utah Pride Parade, which takes place annually in downtown Salt Lake City.
Read more »
Majority of Utah law enforcement agencies still not following sexual assault data lawMore than half of Utah's law enforcement agencies have failed to comply with a state law requiring them to report sexual assault case data for the second consecutive year.
Read more »
Report: Immigrant women 'vital' to Utah's economy, communities despite facing challengesA new report from the Utah Women and Leadership Project at Utah State University outlines both the challenges immigrant and refugee women face in Utah, along with
Read more »
Most Important Dates Remaining in Utah Jazz's OffseasonA look at the top dates to circle on the calendar for the Utah Jazz's offseason.
Read more »