House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, has come under fire from the Biden campaign for his past comments on same-sex relations. In a recent post on social media, the Biden-Harris presidential campaign accused Johnson of calling for the criminalization of gay sex and labeling same-sex relations as “inherently unnatural.” However, the post failed to acknowledge President Biden’s own history of statements against gay marriage.
The report cited by the Biden campaign claimed that Johnson “has a history of harsh anti-gay language.” However, it is worth noting that President Biden also held views against gay marriage during his time as a senator from Delaware and as Vice President of the United States, before changing his position. In 1973, Biden suggested that homosexuals were “security risks.” He also voted in favor of an amendment in 1993 that codified the Department of Health and Human Services’ prohibition of the permanent immigration of individuals who were HIV positive.
Furthermore, Biden supported the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy, which barred gay Americans from serving in the military, and voted for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996. The DOMA defined marriage as between one man and one woman and established a federal definition of “spouse” as a person of the opposite sex. However, Biden later opposed a gay marriage ban as part of the Constitution.
Despite his past comments, Biden has claimed in recent years to be a supporter of same-sex marriage and has presented himself as one of the first leaders to hold public office to support it. However, figures from both parties, including Dick Cheney and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, had already voiced their support for same-sex marriage before Biden.
In response to the criticism, Johnson stated that he respects the rule of law and that when the Supreme Court issued an opinion, it became the law of the land. He also emphasized that he genuinely loves all people regardless of their lifestyle choices.
The Biden campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Johnson’s statements. This controversy highlights the ongoing debate surrounding politicians’ evolving views on LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of acknowledging their past positions.
Overall, this issue raises questions about political accountability and the potential for shifting stances on social issues. It serves as a reminder that politicians from both parties have had evolving views on LGBTQ+ rights and that their past statements should be taken into consideration when evaluating their current positions.
