Queer Congresswoman Angie Craig has a blunt message for new Speaker Mike Johnson

Republican Representatives unanimously voted for a new speaker of the US House yesterday. They elected Mike Johnson [above left], a hard-right MAGA lawmaker. He gained three votes more than the 217 threshold to take office.

Johnson has consistently opposed any advancement of LGBTQ+ rights. He was previously an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), filing lawsuits against same-sex marriage, same-sex adoption, and same-sex marital benefits.

In one old editorial he wrote, Johnson called homosexuality “inherently unnatural”. In another, he said, “Your race, creed, and sex are what you are, while homosexuality and cross-dressing are things you do … This is a free country, but we don’t give special protections for every person’s bizarre choices.”

Johnson has represented Louisiana’s 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2017.

Unsurprisingly, Democratic Representatives voted against Johnson. All 209 of them voted for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the party’s House leader.

As she got up to vote, and no doubt mindful of Johnson’s views on same-sex marriage, Minnesota’s Angie Craig [top right] took the opportunity to wish her wife a happy 15th wedding anniversary.

Mike Johnson spent his legal career fighting against same-sex marriage, adoption and marital benefits. Now he’s brought that fight to Congress.

Proud to vote against him on my 15th anniversary with my wife, Cheryl.@RepMikeJohnson, enjoy it while it lasts – it won’t be long. pic.twitter.com/b6UQKyiFER

— Angie Craig (@RepAngieCraig) October 25, 2023

In a tweet, Craig warned Johnson to enjoy his time as speaker while it lasts. Given how easily Kevin McCarthy was removed from office, Johnson can’t afford to get too comfortable.

“Mike Johnson spent his legal career fighting against same-sex marriage, adoption and marital benefits. Now he’s brought that fight to Congress. Proud to vote against him on my 15th anniversary with my wife, Cheryl.

“@RepMikeJohnson, enjoy it while it lasts – it won’t be long.”

Erick Sorenson

Craig was not the only queer lawmaker to respond to Johnson’s victory. Erick Sorenson (D-IL) posted a photo of himself and his partner, saying, “The House of Representatives just elected a Speaker who doesn’t believe people like us should have the right to be married. Neighbors in #IL17 believe otherwise. Bigotry and hate have no place in our nation’s government.”

The House of Representatives just elected a Speaker who doesn’t believe people like us should have the right to be married.

Neighbors in #IL17 believe otherwise. Bigotry and hate have no place in our nation’s government. pic.twitter.com/l1nK6S1Qeu

— Eric Sorensen (@ERICSORENSEN) October 25, 2023

Robert Garcia

Robert Garcia (D-CA) labeled “MAGA Mike” an extremist on anti-LGBTQ+ rights and abortion rights.

MAGA Mike Johnson is an extremist and Trump super-fan. Now, he will lead House Republicans as their new Speaker. Once again, the MAGA extremists have demonstrated they control the GOP and will stop at nothing to promote their radical agenda. pic.twitter.com/gO889VqEIx

— Congressman Robert Garcia (@RepRobertGarcia) October 25, 2023

Bacca Balint

Becca Balint, a lesbian Democratic Rep. from Vermont, also highlighted Johnson’s stance on abortion. He has championed imprisonment with “hard labor” for anyone who carries out an abortion procedure.

The new Speaker of the House wants to sentence your doctor to hard labor.

Allowing this kind of extremism to run rampant and now hold the power of the gavel is dangerous and does not reflect the will of the American people. https://t.co/fjqJnx8U2T

— Rep. Becca Balint (@RepBeccaB) October 25, 2023

Ritchie Torres (D-NY) also slammed Johnson’s extremism.

Sadly, ungovernable House Republicans are quadrupling down on MAGA extremism with Mike Johnson — a key architect of the plot to overturn the 2020 election who wants to ban abortion nationwide and strip away LGBTQI+ rights.

For the 19th time, I'm voting @RepJeffries for Speaker.

— Rep. Ritchie Torres (@RepRitchie) October 25, 2023

Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) listed many of Johnson’s attempts to overturn or vote against LGBTQ+ rights. In a statement, Takano said, “Mike Johnson is a proud and fervent election denier, a friend of the extreme religious right, and a climate change denier. He has voted twice against the PACT Act to deny toxin-exposed veterans of the healthcare they have earned. He has fiercely advocated against the civil liberties of LGBTQ+ people.

“Mike Johnson has weaponized his committee position to target transgender individuals and introduce legislation to suppress sharing LGBTQ+ identities. He is staunchly anti-choice and would like to impose a nationwide ban on reproductive choice. He will no doubt remain committed to those divisive values and bring untold harm to the American people now that he has been elevated to Speaker.”

One out-gay member of Congress votes for Johnson

There was only one gay figure in Congress who welcomed the election of Mike Johnson. Can you guess who?

Yes, scandal-hit fabulist George Santos (R-NY) proudly voted for Johnson. In a statement, Santos said afterward, “Speaker Johnson embodies GOP values. His fervor and dedication are unmatched, making him an incredibly promising addition to our ranks. Johnson has consistently put people above politics, demonstrating a commitment to the American public that is truly commendable. I was happy to cast my vote to make him speaker and I look forward to putting Americans first under his helm.”

George Santos and Lauren Boebert high five right after Republicans vote to install their new extremist Speaker of the House, a perfect encapsulation of the Republican Party. pic.twitter.com/lPfa4qHfAz

— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) October 25, 2023

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Garcia is serving his first term in the House of Representatives as a Democrat for California’s 42nd district.