House Speaker Mike Johnson is now under the spotlight after revelations of his past involvement with Exodus International, a now-defunct organization that was prominent in the "ex-gay" movement. The organization believed, according to their messaging, in "freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ" and supported those aiming to "recover" from being gay.
Johnson's association with Exodus International came to the fore when CNN's KFILE unearthed that the House Speaker provided legal counsel to the group before his foray into politics. This association deepened when he collaborated with Exodus International on an event named "Day of Truth." The event, initiated by the socially conservative legal advocacy group Alliance Defense Fund where Johnson was previously employed, was an apparent countermeasure against a campaign drawing attention to the bullying of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Notably, Johnson, during a 2008 radio promotion for the event, contended that factors such as race and eye color are immutable, contrasting them with homosexuality which he described as a behavior rather than an identity. "Homosexual behavior is something you do, it's not something that you are," Johnson stated.
The revelations don't stop there. A 2005 recording procured by CNN showcased Johnson asserting that homosexuals could change their orientation. He reiterated his 2008 sentiment by stating, "Homosexual behavior is something you do. It's not something that you are."
These revelations have caused significant consternation among advocacy groups. Wayne Besen, executive director of Truth Wins Out, remarked that the "Day of Truth" event "directly harmed LGBTQ youth." Besen went further, categorizing Johnson not merely as a supporter but as a key advocate for the "antigay and ex-gay" stance.
While Exodus International shuttered its operations in 2013, the group's founder, Alan Chambers, expressed remorse for the trauma inflicted by the organization. He acknowledged the detrimental effects on gay teenagers they attempted to convert. The practice of conversion therapy, which Exodus International championed, has been roundly discredited and denounced by medical professionals and has been likened to torture by a UN expert.
Johnson's past has been under scrutiny since his elevation to the House Speaker position, revealing various contentious elements. This includes allegations of his involvement in ex-President Donald Trump's suspected attempts to negate the 2020 presidential election results, his bid to overturn a ruling that abolished the state's sodomy laws, and accusations of financial opacity.
In response to his recent election as the 56th Speaker of the House, Johnson expressed gratitude and emphasized the importance of "bold, decisive action to restore trust, advance our legislative priorities, and demonstrate good governance."
As these revelations continue to unravel, it remains to be seen how they will influence Johnson's tenure as House Speaker and his broader political journey.
