A parental rights organization called Moms for Liberty, known for challenging certain materials in public schools, was barred from participating in the Tanana Valley State Fair in Alaska. This decision followed allegations from a local activist labeling the group as a “hate group,” supported by a controversial watchdog organization. The fair’s board denied Moms for Liberty’s application to set up a booth for one day at Alaska’s oldest state fair.
Tiffany Justice, President of Moms for Liberty, explained that the group stands for parental rights and dismissed the notion that their actions are extremist. The Fairbanks chapter, led by Gail McBride, received a rejection letter from the fair’s board on April 27. McBride noted it’s another instance of conservatives being silenced by loud opposition.
“Defending parental rights and standing up for your children is not extremist,” Tiffany Justice, Moms for Liberty
Scott Vance, executive director of the Tanana Valley State Fair Association, stated that some members linked to the local chapter have previously caused disruptions at board meetings. He emphasized that the fair aims to maintain a welcoming, family-oriented environment, and reserves the right to deny applications if they might disturb this atmosphere.
The Moms for Liberty chapter intended to promote parental rights at the fair, which typically features family-friendly activities and exhibits. McBride attended a board meeting on April 15 to clarify misinformation about the group. During this meeting, David Leslie, a former fair employee, objected to their participation, citing their designation by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as a reason for concern.
Leslie argued that Moms for Liberty targets the LGBT community, referencing the SPLC’s 2022 report that labeled the group as extremist. After Leslie’s remarks, the fair board rejected Moms for Liberty’s application without officially providing a reason. In response, McBride expressed surprise and criticized the board’s reliance on the SPLC’s label, highlighting the organization’s legal challenges.
Justice mentioned exploring legal actions following the rejection and noted that similar issues have occurred elsewhere, such as in Williamson County, Texas. Vance reiterated the fair’s mission of inclusion and the fair board’s discretion to deny applications that don’t align with their values.
“The reputation of the overall organization and actions of the local associates does not align with the mission,” Scott Vance, Tanana Valley State Fair Association
The SPLC did not respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Moms for Liberty continues to confront challenges across various regions as they pursue their mission of promoting parental rights.