In recent years, Mike Johnson, the newly appointed Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, has gained prominence within the political sphere as a staunch conservative voice. His rise to one of the highest political positions in the country has been swift, but it is his past actions and affiliations that are now drawing significant attention. Specifically, Johnson’s previous involvement with an anti-gay conversion therapy group has raised concerns about his views on LGBTQ+ rights and his commitment to equality. This article examines Johnson’s partnership with the group, its implications for his political career, and the broader significance of his past in the context of his current leadership role.

The Rise of Mike Johnson

Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, became the 56th Speaker of the House in January 2024. His appointment marked a significant moment for the Republican Party, as Johnson is seen as a key figure in the party’s conservative wing. He has earned a reputation for his strong stances on issues such as abortion, religious freedom, and traditional family values. These positions have garnered him significant support among conservative voters and party leaders.

However, Johnson’s rise to power has not been without controversy. Critics have pointed to his past involvement with organizations that hold controversial views on issues related to gender and sexuality, particularly his connections to the controversial practice of gay conversion therapy. Before entering politics, Johnson worked as a lawyer and was associated with a variety of religious organizations, including some with a history of advocating for so-called “conversion therapy” to change an individual’s sexual orientation.

The Anti-Gay Conversion Therapy Movement

Gay conversion therapy, also known as reparative therapy, is a set of practices aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation from gay or bisexual to heterosexual. The movement has been widely criticized by mental health professionals and human rights organizations for being harmful and ineffective. Conversion therapy has been denounced by major medical and psychological associations, including the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association, as a pseudoscience that can lead to emotional and psychological harm.

Despite the widespread condemnation, conversion therapy has continued to find support among certain religious and conservative groups, who believe that homosexuality is a sin or a disorder that can be “cured” through therapy or religious intervention. One such organization that has been at the center of this controversial movement is the Alliance for Therapeutic Choice and Scientific Integrity (ATCSI), a group that has advocated for the practice and supported therapists who offer conversion therapy.

Mike Johnson’s Connection to Conversion Therapy

Before he entered politics, Mike Johnson was a prominent figure in Louisiana’s religious conservative community. His career as a lawyer involved advocating for causes aligned with Christian conservative values, including the defense of traditional marriage and opposition to same-sex marriage. It was during this time that Johnson partnered with organizations supporting conversion therapy, particularly through his work with the Louisiana Family Forum (LFF), a conservative advocacy group that has long opposed LGBTQ+ rights and supported efforts to ban same-sex marriage.

Johnson’s connection to anti-gay conversion therapy was most notable through his association with the Institute for American Values, a think tank that has been linked to the promotion of conversion therapy. The Institute, where Johnson held leadership roles, has publicly supported the idea that sexual orientation can be changed through counseling or religious intervention. This stance has made the organization a controversial ally of groups that advocate for reparative therapy, despite the widespread criticism of these practices.

Johnson’s support for such organizations and their advocacy for conversion therapy has come under scrutiny in recent years, especially as he gained prominence within the Republican Party. His work with these groups has raised concerns about his views on LGBTQ+ issues, with critics arguing that his past affiliations may indicate a broader agenda to restrict LGBTQ+ rights or impose conservative religious views on the public.

Public Reactions and Criticism

Johnson’s past association with anti-gay conversion therapy groups has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ rights advocates, mental health professionals, and even some members of his own party. Critics argue that Johnson’s involvement with these organizations reflects a dangerous and outdated view of LGBTQ+ individuals and undermines the progress made in recent years toward LGBTQ+ equality.

One of the key criticisms has been the harmful impact of conversion therapy. Studies have shown that individuals who undergo conversion therapy are at a higher risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have long fought for a ban on conversion therapy, emphasizing the need for affirming, evidence-based care for individuals exploring their sexual orientation and gender identity. Johnson’s past associations with groups that endorse such harmful practices have fueled concerns about his approach to LGBTQ+ rights in his role as Speaker of the House.

The political ramifications of Johnson’s past affiliations are significant as well. While he is a popular figure among religious conservatives, his connections to anti-gay organizations have made him a polarizing figure in broader political discourse. Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates have called for greater transparency and accountability regarding his views on LGBTQ+ issues, particularly given his new leadership role in Congress.

For many, Johnson’s involvement with conversion therapy groups serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. Despite significant progress in recent years—such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and increased social acceptance—there are still powerful forces working to reverse these gains. Johnson’s elevation to the role of Speaker has raised questions about the future direction of the Republican Party and its commitment to LGBTQ+ rights.

Johnson’s Defenses and Responses

In response to the criticism, Mike Johnson has consistently defended his past actions and associations, arguing that his views on LGBTQ+ issues are rooted in his religious beliefs and his commitment to traditional values. He has claimed that his work with religious organizations, including those that support conversion therapy, was motivated by a desire to defend religious freedom and the rights of individuals to live according to their beliefs.

Johnson has also attempted to distance himself from the more extreme elements of the anti-gay movement, asserting that he does not personally endorse conversion therapy. Instead, he has emphasized his commitment to protecting religious liberties and opposing what he sees as government overreach in matters related to faith and family life.

Nonetheless, his past ties to conversion therapy organizations continue to haunt his political career. LGBTQ+ advocates argue that even if Johnson no longer directly supports conversion therapy, his past affiliations speak to his broader views on LGBTQ+ rights. For many, his association with such groups raises serious questions about his ability to serve as a fair and inclusive leader for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Broader Implications for LGBTQ+ Rights

Mike Johnson’s history with anti-gay conversion therapy organizations is not just a personal matter; it reflects the broader political and cultural struggle over LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. As Speaker of the House, Johnson now holds significant power over national policy and legislation, including laws that affect the LGBTQ+ community. His past actions and affiliations suggest that his views on LGBTQ+ rights may influence his approach to issues such as anti-discrimination protections, marriage equality, and transgender rights.

Johnson’s leadership will likely have a profound impact on the direction of LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. over the next several years. With Republicans in control of the House, there is concern that Johnson’s leadership could lead to efforts to roll back protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and employment.

Additionally, Johnson’s elevation to Speaker highlights the ongoing tension within the Republican Party between its more moderate and conservative factions. While some Republicans have embraced LGBTQ+ rights as part of their broader push for individual freedoms, others, like Johnson, continue to champion conservative values that align with religious teachings on gender and sexuality. This divide will shape the party’s future approach to LGBTQ+ issues and influence the broader national conversation on rights and equality.

Conclusion

Mike Johnson’s partnership with anti-gay conversion therapy organizations before his rise to political office raises important questions about his views on LGBTQ+ rights and his approach to leadership as Speaker of the House. His past associations with controversial groups that advocate for harmful practices have sparked criticism and concern from LGBTQ+ advocates and mental health professionals alike. As Johnson takes on his new role, his past actions will continue to cast a shadow over his leadership, with many watching closely to see how his views will influence national policy on LGBTQ+ issues. The controversy surrounding Johnson highlights the ongoing struggles for equality and justice faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the United States, and the potential challenges to advancing those rights in the face of opposition from powerful political figures.