Democratic Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota made a personal comment during her vote for speaker of the House, highlighting her same-sex marriage and implying opposition to the new speaker, Mike Johnson, who has reportedly opposed gay marriage.
The gesture was seen as a political move, and Democrats applauded it despite Johnson being elected speaker.
Johnson’s conservative stances on abortion, gay marriage, and the 2020 election results have made him a feared figure among Democrats.
Mike Johnson spent his legal career fighting against same-sex marriage, adoption and marital benefits. Now he’s brought that fight to Congress.
Proud to vote against him on my 15th anniversary with my wife, Cheryl.@RepMikeJohnson, enjoy it while it lasts – it won’t be long. pic.twitter.com/b6UQKyiFER
— Angie Craig (@RepAngieCraig) October 25, 2023
She prefaced her vote for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries with a shout-out: “Happy wedding anniversary to my wife.”
She made this announcement to highlight her sexual orientation and the fact that she is married to a woman.
Craig’s supporters argued the stunt was an effective display of courage and disapproval of Johnson’s policy positions.
On the other hand, critics claim it takes “a special kind of narcissism” to believe the status of one’s private relationships can act as an effective retort to differences of political policies.
Mike Johnson…
>Is a member of the Freedom Caucus.
>Supported the 2017 Trump Travel Ban.
>Opposes abortion.
>Opposes marijuana legalization.
>Voted to overturn the 2020 election.
>Opposes gay marriage.
>Supports prayer in public schools.Gentlemen, we have found our Speaker. pic.twitter.com/j7bCDyqM0a
— World Mapping #MIKEMENTUM🇻🇦✝️🇺🇸 (@WorldMappingIII) October 25, 2023
“Mike Johnson spent his legal career fighting against same-sex marriage, adoption and marital benefits,” the congresswoman said. “Now he’s brought that fight to Congress.
“Proud to vote against him on my 15th anniversary with my wife, Cheryl. @RepMikeJohnson enjoy it while it lasts – it won’t be long.”
