In the first 48 hours following Rep. Mike Johnson’s assumption of the speaker’s gavel, the media engaged in a frenzy, focusing on his Christian faith and unwavering opposition to homosexuality based on his religious beliefs.
Old Fashioned
While it’s not uncommon for politicians to reference the Bible, Johnson’s stance against same-sex unions has become increasingly rare in contemporary politics.
Had That in Common Before
It’s worth noting that even President Joe Biden, in his quest for political acceptance, abandoned his previous beliefs on sexuality.
This former senator once supported legislation that defined marriage as strictly between one man and one woman and even referred to homosexuals as “security risks.”
The Evolution of Joe Biden
To understand the political landscape surrounding Rep. Johnson’s views, it is essential to recognize the significant shift that Joe Biden made in his stance on gay marriage.
Saying Openly
He openly stated, “Things are changing so rapidly, it’s going to become a political liability in the near term for someone to say, ‘I oppose gay marriage.'”
This suggested a clear political motivation to adapt to changing social norms.
Don’t Get Left Behind
It signaled that the LGBTQ+ movement had gained momentum, and anyone opposing it would be left behind.
A Blast From the Past
Rep. Johnson has a well-documented history of opposing the redefinition of marriage.
Back in 2004, he penned an editorial supporting Louisiana’s Defense of Marriage Amendment, a stance similar to the federal legislation once supported by Joe Biden.
He Called That
Johnson’s words from that time reflect his views: “If we change marriage for this tiny, modern minority, we will have to do it for every deviant group. Polygamists, polyamorists, pedophiles, and others will be next in line to claim equal protection. They already are.”
The Media’s Hysteria
The media, which largely overlooked Joe Biden’s earlier views on homosexuality, has been quick to highlight Rep. Johnson’s track record.
They emphasize that Johnson views gay marriage as “sinful,” “destructive,” and “dangerous.”
Making Headlines
They report his beliefs that a “homosexual agenda” will harm Christianity and society and that same-sex relationships are “inherently unnatural.”
This has led to headlines from various news outlets, such as ABC News, USA Today, and The New York Times.
He an Anti-Gay
CNN pointed out that Johnson has a “history of harsh anti-gay language” and suggested that he predicted same-sex marriage could have a detrimental impact on America.
The Washington Post mentioned that he aimed to narrow the separation between church and state.
Seeing the Future
While the media focuses on Rep. Johnson’s past statements, they fail to examine whether his views have stood the test of time.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding, it is crucial to consider his arguments fully rather than relying solely on sensational headlines.
Johnson’s concerns about the potential consequences of breaking down sexual taboos have arguably proven to be prescient.
The Proliferation of the “T” in LGBT
One of the significant changes since the Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision in 2015 has been the rapid proliferation of the “T” in LGBT.
The gay rights movement has aligned itself with the transgender movement, resulting in a more fluid approach to gender identity and sexuality.
The consequences of this shift have been significant, with activities that challenge traditional norms becoming more mainstream.
Children and Hypersexualization
The media often overlook the potential consequences of tearing down sexual taboos. While being gay does not equate to pedophilia, the destruction of one sexual norm can lead to an unraveling of others.
This has manifested in various ways, including the increased sexualization of children and adolescents.
Redefining Marriage and Families
Redefining marriage has not only transformed the institution of marriage itself but has also redefined families. Legal unions are now based on adult sexual desires rather than procreation.
This has further led to the commodification of reproduction through practices like surrogacy. Adoption agencies that uphold traditional values about a child’s right to a mother and a father have faced legal challenges.
The Push for “Open Relationships”
Contemporary discussions on sexuality are increasingly promoting “open relationships,” including polygamy and polyamory. The changes in sexual norms and attitudes continue to evolve.
Could’ve Predicted This
Rep. Johnson’s views may be at odds with most Americans who have embraced the core arguments of the Obergefell decision.
Biblical Alignment
However, his stance is consistent with thousands of years of Biblically orthodox teaching on sin and sexuality.
The Dissenters
The Obergefell dissenters, including Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito, predicted that the decision could infringe on religious liberty and lead to the vilification of those unwilling to conform to the new orthodoxy.
In this regard, Rep. Johnson’s outspoken traditional beliefs align with their concerns.
The Media’s Role in Fulfilling Prophecies
The media’s coverage of Rep. Johnson’s views may label him as ultra-bigoted. However, his predictions have, in some ways, been realized.
2015 Court Decision
In 2015, the Supreme Court decision opened the door to a significant shift in societal norms, which has had far-reaching consequences for various aspects of American life.
The Role of the Media
The media’s focus on sensational headlines often overshadows the broader societal implications of this transformation.
The Good Old Days
Rep. Johnson’s opposition to same-sex marriage may be out of step with contemporary politics. However, it reflects a broader concern about the impact of changing values on American society.
The post Media Focuses on Speaker Mike Johnson’s Firm Stand on LGBTQ+ Issues Influenced by His Christian Values first appeared on Pulse of Pride.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / lev radin. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
