The articles are from November 2023 referring to earlier audio clips. Mike Johnson is a politician and as such was most likely using 'the gays' in order to shore up support from (Christian) Republicans and to conveniently distance himself from the Democrats, by invoking a parallel between the contemporary USA and the late stages of the Roman Empire. That's why his statements are so vague and half-baked.

A politician remarking on history means only one thing: crafting a narrative for their own gain.