House Speaker Mike Johnson's sincerely held religious views significantly influence his politics, especially in matters such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Johnson, a Louisiana Republican and constitutional lawyer, has been vocal about his evangelical Christian beliefs throughout his political career. He once stated, "My faith informs everything I do," emphasizing the role of his religion in shaping his worldview.
Johnson's solid Christian convictions have drawn support and criticism from various quarters. Some have praised his faith, with individuals like Rep. Greg Steube noting that he is a "strong conservative" who looks to his conviction for guidance. In contrast, some Democrats, such as Rep. Jamie Raskin and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have expressed concerns about Johnson's influence, describing his politics as anti-choice, anti-LGBTQ, and extreme.
In his acceptance speech as House Speaker, Johnson emphasized the role of God in elevating him to his position, reflecting his belief in divine guidance. He also highlighted the need for hope in the country, drawing on Scripture.
Furthermore, Johnson has expressed his view that there is no strict separation of church and state as defined in the First Amendment's establishment clause. He argued that the Founding Fathers intended to protect the church from an encroaching state rather than vice versa. Johnson hosts a podcast called "Truth Be Told" with his wife, Kelly, discussing current events from a Christian perspective.
Regarding specific policy issues, Johnson's faith is closely tied to his conservative stance on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. He has consistently opposed abortion rights, endorsing legislation that would ban abortion nationally after 15 weeks. Johnson has also spent years fighting gay rights, arguing against same-sex marriage and healthcare access. In the past, he described homosexuals as "sinful" and "destructive." More recently, he was involved in drafting legislation that aimed to restrict the use of federal money for programs or materials related to sexuality for children under 10.
House Speaker Mike Johnson's religious convictions play a pivotal role in shaping his political positions, particularly on issues related to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. His strong Christian faith informs his worldview and influences his decisions as a legislator.