National Black Justice Coalition Condemns House GOP’s Selection of Anti-LGBTQ+ Rep. Mike Johnson as New Speaker
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
WASHINGTON –Following news that House Republicans have finally elected a new Speaker in Rep. Mike Johnson, whose support of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is well documented, Dr. David J. Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a leading Black LGBTQ+/SGL (same-gender loving) civil rights organization, issued the following statement:
“We strongly condemn the election of Rep. Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House. Johnson’s record and opposition to critical civil rights and LGBTQ+ protections speak to his inability to lead the House in prioritizing public-policy investments that increase opportunities and improve life outcomes for a country that continues to grow in diversity. An anti-Black, anti-LGBTQ+ elected leader should not be third in line to the presidency.
“It is deeply troubling to witness Johnson elected as Speaker, especially considering his vote against bipartisan legislation to codify same-sex marriage, which is foundational to ensuring equity and the staying power of constitutional rights upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. His repeated support for anti-LGBTQ+ bills, including the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act of 2022, which many have aptly labeled a federal ‘don’t say gay’ measure, highlights his disdain for the LGBTQ+ community. Our non-queer, trans, and gender-expansive siblings must understand Republican leaders like Representative Johnson are targeting us because we’re a minority, and their attacks will NOT stop with our community. History has taught all of us that they will come for you.
“Rep. Johnson has endorsed legislation designed to silence discussions about LGBTQ+ people, erasing our very existence from conversations in school and society. Such regressive measures have no place in a society that values inclusivity and respect for all, especially not at a time when more public school students are identifying as queer and questioning.
“Equally concerning is Johnson’s co-sponsorship of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Protect Children’s Innocence Act, which would criminalize providing gender-affirming care to individuals under 18. This criminalization goes against the consensus among medical professionals affirming the importance of respecting the gender identities of transgender and gender-diverse youth. Elected leaders who know nothing about child development and have not taken the Hippocratic oath should not be involved in decisions that should remain between a medical provider, their patient, and, when appropriate, their patient’s parents.
“In electing Mike Johnson as Speaker, House Republicans have empowered a figure whose far-right ideology, anti-democratic principles, and LGBTQ+ hate have remained relatively under the radar due to inexperience. It is our duty to remind the public that such values are incompatible with the principles of democracy and inclusion.
‘The National Black Justice Coalition remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of Black LGBTQ+/SGL individuals. We will not stand idly by while elected officials advance discriminatory policies that harm marginalized communities. Love and justice are not partisan issues. We urge all elected officials to prioritize inclusive democratic values over divisive ideologies, and we implore the American people to hold their representatives accountable for their actions, policies, and impact on our diverse society. Finally, we encourage constituents to urge their members of Congress to recall the vote and find someone more worthy of the speaker’s gavel.”