Home Speaker Mike Johnson’s Unusual ‘Covenant Marriage’ Places Highlight On His Conservative Values

Newly appointed Home Speaker, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.), is a participant in a “covenant marriage,” a sort of marital association that makes acquiring a divorce more difficult in comparison with the usual American authorized course of.

What Occurred: Enterprise Insider stories that Rep. Johnson, the not too long ago elected Home Speaker, has been in a covenant marriage since 1999. Below Louisiana state regulation, this type of marriage necessitates {couples} to obtain marital counseling earlier than contemplating a divorce. Moreover, divorce is barely granted below particular circumstances, equivalent to adultery, imprisonment, or abuse.

Johnson, the fourth Republican chosen for the Speaker’s position following Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) ousting, is an evangelical Christian. He’s a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage and has supported laws just like Florida’s Parental Rights in Training Legislation.

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“Covenant marriages” had been first legalized in Louisiana in 1997, with Arizona and Arkansas subsequently passing related legal guidelines. Nevertheless, this sort of marriage is comparatively uncommon, with solely 2% of Louisiana {couples} choosing it.

Johnson’s spouse, Kelly, voiced her help for his or her covenant marriage in a 2005 ABC interview, saying it symbolizes his dedication to their lifelong bond. Johnson himself has actively promoted most of these marriages, encouraging associates to think about them.

Why It Issues: The highlight on Johnson’s private life, significantly his covenant marriage, offers additional perception into his conservative beliefs and values, and will probably impression his political stance and selections sooner or later.

Johnson emerged because the GOP alternative for Home Speaker on Wednesday, bringing an finish to a tumultuous interval of management uncertainty.

Johnson’s conservative stance and his opposition to hashish laws have been highlighted within the wake of his election.

His victory was additionally lauded by former President Donald Trump, who claimed to have performed a job in Johnson’s success.

Picture Courtesy: Lev Radin On Shutterstock.com

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