House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and his wife, Kelly Johnson, have been at the center of a contentious debate due to their openly anti-LGBTQ+ views. Mike Johnson, known for his long-standing opposition to LGBTQ+ equality, has worked with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a group labeled as an anti-LGBTQ+ hate organization. He has also been involved with a conversion therapy group and authored a brief advocating for the criminalization of gay sex, suggesting the Bible as a justification for his views.
Kelly Johnson’s Counseling Service and Its Ideology
Kelly Johnson’s founding of Onward Christian Counseling Services added another layer to the controversy. The service’s website equated homosexuality with various other forms of what it termed sexual immorality, including bestiality. This statement, only recently removed, reflects a deep-seated belief system that homosexuality and other non-heteronormative sexual identities are offensive and sinful according to biblical teachings. While there are no direct accusations of the practice performing conversion therapy, the counseling service’s approach is based on outdated and widely discredited views on homosexuality.
The Johnsons’ Friends Defend Their Beliefs
Despite the textbook nature of their homophobia, the Johnsons’ friends have come forward, arguing that their beliefs are central to their identity and should not be used against them. These defenses focus on the Johnsons’ politeness and adherence to their religious convictions, highlighting a belief that holding such views is a fundamental right. Friends also emphasized that the couple’s beliefs do not equate to hatred of individuals but are instead rooted in religious doctrine.
Media Representation and Backlash
The couple has faced media scrutiny for their beliefs and actions, particularly through their podcast where they criticized what they termed “woke corporations” and praised commentators known for their attacks on transgender people. Their friends claim that the media has misinterpreted the anti-LGBTQ+ passage on Kelly Johnson’s counseling service’s website, arguing that it was a requirement to avoid legal action.
The Broader Impact of the Johnsons’ Views
The situation surrounding the Johnsons reflects a larger societal debate on the intersection of religious beliefs, freedom of speech, and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Their views, while protected under freedom of religion and speech, have sparked significant controversy and highlight ongoing tensions in how LGBTQ+ individuals are perceived and treated in certain religious and political circles. The Johnsons’ actions and the defense of their friends underscore the challenges in addressing deeply ingrained anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments in contemporary society.