In a recent revelation, Mike Johnson (R-LA) has come under scrutiny for his involvement with Exodus International, a now-defunct Christian organization that promoted the belief that being gay is a sin and aimed to change the sexual orientation of LGBTQ+ individuals. Johnson, who was elected Speaker of the House last week, worked with the group from 2006 to 2010, providing legal advice and assisting in promoting an anti-gay event for teenagers. During this time, he was also employed as a lawyer for the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), a group designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).
Controversial Collaboration
Johnson’s collaboration with Exodus International extended to promoting “Day of Truth,” an anti-LGBTQ+ response to the annual “Day of Silence,” a protest against the bullying of LGBTQ+ students. Johnson characterized LGBTQ+ advocacy groups as promoting undesirable behavior, claiming, “Homosexual behavior is something you do, it’s not something that you are.” He painted Day of Truth as a countermeasure against what he referred to as the “dangerous” homosexual lifestyle.
Harmful Rhetoric and Blame
In 2007, Johnson wrote an editorial supporting Day of Truth, alleging that advocates of homosexual behavior sought to glamorize it while stifling opposition. He referred to queer teens as “sexually-confused” and accused anti-bullying advocates of silencing Christians. Johnson even went as far as blaming the fall of Rome on LGBTQ+ people, a claim unsupported by historical evidence.
Legacy of Harm
Mike Johnson’s past involvement with Exodus International, a group known for promoting harmful conversion therapy practices, has raised concerns about his stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Truth Wins Out executive director Wayne Besen pointed out that Johnson’s core identity appeared to be promoting anti-gay and ex-gay viewpoints. Exodus International disbanded in 2013, with its founder, Alan Chambers, issuing an apology for the harm it caused.
Behind the Scenes Collaboration
Randy Scobey, a former executive vice president for Exodus International, expressed regret for the Day of Truth, which he described as a form of bullying against LGBTQ+ individuals. Scobey also revealed that ADF, where Johnson worked, provided legal advice on how to practice conversion therapy, indicating a deeper collaboration between the two organizations.
Johnson’s past affiliations have sparked concerns about his ability to represent the LGBTQ+ community’s interests fairly and impartially in his role as Speaker of the House.
This revelation about Mike Johnson’s history highlights the importance of vigilance in scrutinizing the records and affiliations of public figures, particularly when it comes to issues as sensitive as LGBTQ+ rights.