Charles Moran, the president of the Log Cabin Republicans, recently shared insights into the organization’s interactions with the new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, in an interview with Business Insider. Moran also addressed the unique challenges and opportunities faced by LGBTQ+ Republicans in today’s political landscape.
Log Cabin Republicans’ Background
The Log Cabin Republicans, a conservative LGBTQ+ organization founded in 1977, boasts a membership of over 10,000 individuals.
Working with Speaker Johnson
Moran expressed his desire to collaborate with Speaker Mike Johnson, even though he admitted that, like many in the United States, he was not familiar with Johnson before he assumed his current role. However, Johnson’s past has come under scrutiny, revealing anti-LGBTQ+ comments and policy positions.
Addressing Concerns
When asked about Johnson’s history, which includes advocating for the criminalization of gay sex and making disparaging comments about LGBTQ+ individuals, Moran dismissed concerns, stating that these issues were from a different time. He argued that even figures like President Obama and then-Vice President Biden were not supportive of LGBTQ+ equality during that era.
Benefit of the Doubt
Despite these reservations, Moran emphasized that he would give Speaker Johnson the “benefit of the doubt.” He mentioned a meeting with Johnson’s office, during which Johnson’s team expressed a commitment to consensus-building and avoiding the re-litigation of settled laws.
Cautious Optimism
Moran found cautious optimism in Johnson’s approach, noting that the Speaker seemed inclined to avoid contentious social issues that lacked consensus, such as those already voted on or settled in the past. This approach could include issues like Obergefell, Respect for Marriage, and “don’t ask, don’t tell.”
Legislative Initiatives
The interview also delved into Johnson’s recent legislative initiatives, including a bill similar to Florida’s controversial Parental Rights in Education Act, often referred to as the “don’t say gay” bill. Moran acknowledged that Johnson’s position on this issue may resonate with some Americans, although it contradicted data from a Morning Consult poll.
Seeking Common Ground
Moran expressed interest in engaging in conversations with Johnson to better understand his perspectives. He emphasized the importance of building a rapport and ensuring that Johnson leads with a focus on consensus-building rather than attempting to overturn established laws and Supreme Court decisions.
In closing, Moran stressed that, as the Speaker of the House, it is vital for Johnson to lead from a place of consensus and respect for existing laws and Supreme Court rulings. Recent discoveries of statements from Johnson expressing support for revisiting Supreme Court decisions further highlight the need for LGBTQ+ Republicans to engage in constructive dialogue and seek common ground with their political counterparts.
