2023 Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson formally entered next year's gubernatorial race at a rally Saturday, with the sharp-spoken social conservative saying North Carolina neads a leader like him who can Mark Robinson, North Carolinas Republican lieutenant governor, dismissed a call for his resignation on Friday after he was exposed on videotape calling members of the LGBTQ community filth., Robinson said he stood by his homophobic comment and claimed to Raleigh NBC affiliate WRAL that right-wing speech was being demonized., We will not be intimidated. [21] The reports also stated that Robinson withdrew an unexplained $2,400 in cash in apparent violation of a state law requiring all candidate cash payment over $50 to be accompanied by a detailed description explaining of what the money was for. Robinson has been an outspoken critic of keeping children at home for virtual learning during the pandemic. This was old school hate.https://t.co/uFDA9VzJA8, An aide for Democratic North Carolina Gov. And former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., is preparing to enter in the coming weeks, according to Tim Murtaugh, a spokesperson for a consulting firm advising Walker. We will not change our language, he said. I can remember this as a young man, when we were arguing whether or not we should be required to wear seatbelts or if we should wear seatbelts. A former factory worker and day care operator, Robinson gained public attention from a viral video of his 2018 anti-gun control speech to the Greensboro City Council about attempts to cancel a local gun show. [38] The Biden administration, in a White House Press Office statement, condemned Robinson's words as "repugnant and offensive" and said that a leader's role is "to bring people together and stand up for the dignity and rights of everyone; not to spread hate and undermine their own office. The lieutenant governor also weighed in on slavery during Friday's speech and rejected any argument that Black people are owed reparations for centuries of oppression. Robinson, who plans to make a run for North Carolina governor in 2024, said the only way to achieve goals in the country, in states or in homes, is to understand God is first and that this is the only way to build communities. [22] He opposes abortion,[23] promotes climate change denial,[24] and opposes the legalization of recreational marijuana. In fiery speech to state GOP, NC lieutenant governor Recent polling suggests challengers could stand little chance against Robinson, whose bombastic style and controversial rhetoric including antisemitic and homophobic comments have endeared him to hardline conservatives including former President Donald Trump, while also generating blowback from some in his own party. Once a woman gets pregnant, its not your body anymore, its yalls body, Robinson said. I was making a comparison between arguments, he said, not comparisons between situations.. Spokespeople for the state GOP also didnt respond to requests for comment Tuesday, or for requests Monday and Tuesday for video of the speech. Mark Robinson's resignation after video of him speaking at a church surfaced. You can go down there and get drugged up, but at the end of the day, you're just a drugged up, dressed up, made up, cut up, man or woman. North Carolina senators are calling for Lt. Gov. You can go down to the dress shop and get made up. [39] Robinson compared homosexuality to cow manure, maggots, and flies, explaining that the latter all serve a purpose in God's creation; whereas, with homosexuality, Robinson remarked, "If homosexuality is of God, what purpose does it serve? "[12] In April 2018, Robinson attended a meeting of the Greensboro City Council, where they debated whether or not to cancel a gun show in the wake of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. Robinson calls straight couples 'superior' to gays in sermon, video shows", "NC Lt. Gov. It attracts some of the biggest national names in the GOP and attendance all but required for Republican presidential hopefuls. This is not the first time Robinson has shared his discriminatory views, but it should be the last time he gets away with it as an elected leader. On Friday, he focused on the rare transgender athletes competing against women. ALTAMAHAW, N.C. -- Republican Lt. Gov. "[37] North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein made similar comments. North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. He used it to illustrate what he described as his calling not desire to lead. Lt. Gov. Though, in recent years, advocates have called on educators to make an effort to be more openly supportive of LGBTQ people whether thats by including prominent LGBTQ figures in lessons or by displaying a Pride flag in the classroom because they say it can benefit LGBTQ youth. NC Lt. Governor: Two Plus Two Doesn't Equal - RealClearPolitics Im running for governor because we deserve to be represented by someone has actually lived like us, Robinson said in a prerecorded ad. Mark Robinson speaks before a rally for former President Donald Trump at The Farm at 95 on April 9, 2022, in Selma, North Carolina. North Carolinians deserve better than these dehumanizing comments. Being transgender is a delusion, he said. Robinson's critics have pointed to speeches he has made in conservative churches and on radio shows that touched on his antipathy toward LGBTQ+ activism and for his support for banning abortion. Mark Robinson, a recent rising force in North Carolina Republican politics and a vocal abortion opponent, confirmed Thursday that he and his future wife decided to get an abortion more than 30 years ago. WRAL News was not in the room for Robinsons speech, which took place in Greenville Friday night, but reviewed video of his remarks on Facebook after The East Carolinian student newspaper highlighted some of his comments. The White House also issued a statement criticizing Robinson. pic.twitter.com/aXjCPFKTs0. More than three-quarters of Democrats in the state support nondiscrimination legislation, while 12 percent oppose it. Mark Robinson says he and his wife made mistake not to go through with pregnancy before marriage", "2020 Republican Primary Lieutenant Governor Election Results", "2020 North Carolina Lieutenant Governor General Election Results", Lieutenant governors in the United States, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mark_Robinson_(American_politician)&oldid=1151662238, African-American people in North Carolina politics, Discrimination against LGBT people in the United States, Far-right politicians in the United States, Politicians from Greensboro, North Carolina, University of North Carolina at Greensboro alumni, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 April 2023, at 12:38. Conservative Robinson joins race for N. Carolina governor I don't want to be the governor, he said. And if you don't like it that I called it filth, come see me and I'll explain it to you. In one address at a church in 2021, Robinson said, Theres no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth.. Why do you owe? Voters diverge more when broken down by political party. "No one who thinks like this should be in a position of power, and these discriminatory attitudes underscore the need for comprehensive nondiscrimination protections in North Carolina.. [21] Campaign finance watchdog Bob Hall identified several questionable expenditures in Robinson's campaign reports, including $186 for medical bills and for $2,840 for "campaign clothes and accessories" (most of it spent at a sporting goods shop); the campaign did not explain how these expenditures were campaign-related. "I stand with the LGBTQ Community and hope you will join me in condemning this hate speech from the most senior Republican elected official in our state," Nickel wrote on Twitter Friday. [36] That month Robinson pushed for the adoption of a bill in the legislature which sought to prevent teachers from compelling students to adhere to 13 specific beliefs, including notions that one race or sex is superior to others. [12], In a June 2021 speech at a Seagrove, North Carolina church, Robinson disparaged "transgenderism and homosexuality" as "filth", saying: "There's no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth. I think hes straightforward. [14][15], Robinson ran in the 2020 election for lieutenant governor of North Carolina. A Robinson entry into the gubernatorial race could set up a possible battle against presumptive Democratic nominee Attorney General Josh Stein, who announced plans to run last month. I can always remember there would be one person who would say, What if I get stuck on the railroad tracks and my seatbelt wont come off? No. But the choice of venue reinforced his narrative as an anti-establishment candidate looking out for average folks. "[27] Robinson's posts were also criticized by Equality North Carolina and Jewish community leaders in North Carolina. Individual Republicans praised him this week for speaking out about a difficult experience. You have permission to edit this article. Im saying this now, and Ive been saying it, and I dont care who likes it: Those issues have no place in a school. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. | Source: Allison Joyce / Getty "However, homosexuality is STILL an abominable sin and I WILL NOT join in 'celebrating gay pride' nor will I fly their sacrilegious flag on my page. I think hes honest. He said anyone implying that is muddying the waters because they don't like his position on abortion. Im running for governor because we the people of North Carolina need someone who understands us, Robinson told roughly 1,000 supporters at the event at a speedway in Alamance County, about a half-hour from where he grew up. I'm a law-abiding citizen who never shot anybody. "[40], On April 22, 2023, Robinson announced his campaign for the Republican nomination for governor of North Carolina during a speech at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, North Carolina. North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. [28] Robinson called former President Obama "a worthless, anti-American atheist"[28] and posted "birther" memes;[23] accused American Muslims of being "INVADERS" who "refuse to assimilate to our ways while demanding respect they have not earned"; called Michelle Obama a man; and disparaged Joy Behar and Maxine Waters in crude terms. Mark Robinson on Saturday made some of his strongest statements yet suggesting he will run for governor in 2024. Its time for me to stand up and serve, Robinson, the states top Republican executive office-holder, said during a speech at the influential Conservative Political Action Conference outside Washington, D.C. As he left the Senate floor Tuesday, Robinson said he wasnt comparing incest to getting stuck on railroad tracks or suggesting rape is Charles Darwins survival-of-the-fittest theory in action. One 2019 survey fromThe Trevor Project,an LGBTQ youth suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization, found that queer youth with at least one accepting adult in their life have a 40 percent lower risk of attempting suicide. Were not talking about a bunch of people who go down to the abortion clinic because theyve been raped or because theyve been a victim of incest.". While 59.7% of likely GOP primary voters would opt for Robinson, just 6.3% said theyd vote for Folwell, according to the poll released by GOP political consulting group The Differentiators. Robinson hasnt apologized for such remarks, saying that he wasnt attacking the LGBTQ+ community but rather that it was a judgment on reading materials in public schools. Jackson, who is running for the U.S. Senate in 2022, added that Robinson's comments are part of a pattern. Mark Robinson. I'm running for governor because we the people of North Carolina need someone who understands us, Robinson told roughly 1,000 supporters at the event at a speedway in Alamance County, about a half-hour from where he grew up. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Put whatever you want on that donkey, Robinson said. [21], Robinson promoted his persona as a "brash and unfiltered conservative culture warrior". Im running for governor because we deserve to be represented by someone has actually lived like us, Robinson said in a prerecorded ad. "We are not talking about the fight for equality and if those people want to challenge me on that, that's fine," he said. "I'm saying this now, and I've been saying it, and I don't care who likes it: Those issues have no place in a school. FILE - North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. But at the same time, Im not going to let you force your demonic views on me and my children and sit by and let it go, he said. This incident only reaffirms the serious need for comprehensive non-discrimination protections that would outlaw discrimination and make North Carolina a safer place for LGBTQ+ people to live.". Mark Robinson [29], In 2020, the Charlotte Observer editorial board described Robinson's posts as "cringeworthy" and "an embarrassment"[30] while the state Democratic Party called them "homophobic, anti-Semitic, and downright unhinged. [9][10] After high school, he served in the Army Reserve, later attending North Carolina A&T State University and working at several furniture factories in the Triad region. Many have criticized Robinson for statements about sex education in public schools in which he likened gay and transgender people to filth. Robinson has not apologized, saying his comments were critical of the reading materials instead of an attack on the LGBTQ community and that he could separate his religious views about sexuality from his elected position. Robinson to resign over homophobic, transphobic comments", "Report: White House condemns N.C. lieutenant governor's statements about LGBTQ issues", "North Carolina's lieutenant governor said straight people are 'superior' to gay people", "NC Lt. Gov. Robinson is a Robinson said Saturday he wants to make North Carolina a destination state for life, which he said includes his support for prohibiting abortions once an ultrasound first detects fetal cardiac activity, typically about six weeks after fertilization. Copyright 2021 STUDIO CLARUS sas | P.I. Robinson doubled down on his comments in an interview with ABC11 on Friday. John Wesley Waugh, a spokesperson for Robinson, said in an email that the lieutenant governor's comments "refer to education. By GARY D. ROBERTSON March 24, 2022. Studio Clarus2021-05-04T06:45:57+00:0030 Dicembre 2020|. Robinson could also face challengers from within his party for the gubernatorial nomination. There is a bill at your feet, folks, he said. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? The 54-year-old also released an autobiography that talked about a childhood of poverty, financial challenges as an adult, his religious beliefs and his late entry into politics. [13] Afterwards, Robinson dropped out of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and left his job in furniture manufacturing to focus on public speaking engagements. [35][36] The lieutenant governor's general counsel argued that the task force was not obligated to do so as it was not a "public body" and existed only to advise the lieutenant governor's office. Robinsons office did not respond to multiple requests for comment placed with his chief of staff and communications director. Other competitors are also lining up to try to succeed Democratic Gov. [35] The task force did not comply with the state open meeting law by maintaining records of its meetings or transactions. Democrat Jeff Jackson, who is running for U.S. Senate, called on Robinson to resign over the comments made on the video. What does it make? What does it create? lieutenant governor faces calls to resign The 12-member task force was to field reports of political bias in instruction in public schools. Governor Mark Robinson after video surfaced of him making homophobic comments. Whether that is his meaning or not, it is his words that are actually painting the picture that we as a group should not exist. Mark Robinson, a recent rising force in North Carolina Republican politics and a vocal abortion opponent, confirmed Thursday that he and his future wife decided to get an abortion more than 30 years ago. Steins campaign-opening video accused Robinson of wanting to tell you who you can marry, when youll be pregnant and who you should hate. And Folwell said last month that Robinson has spent his time in the political spotlight attacking people instead of attacking the important problems that our citizens are facing.. Governor of North Carolina. '", Robinson also spoke about the trans community at the Upper Room Church of God in Christ two months ago. In a statement emailed to NBC News Friday, Jordan Monaghan, Cooper's press secretary, called Robinson's comments "abhorrent.". It's abhorrent to hear anyone, and especially an elected official, use hateful rhetoric that hurts people and our state's reputation. Mark Robinson speaks before a rally for former President Donald Trump at The Farm at 95 on April 9, 2022, in Selma, North Carolina. And that's exactly what I intend to do.. We must focus on reading, writing, and mathematics in North Carolina., Waugh wrote that Robinson affirms every individuals constitutional right to identify or express themselves in anyway they desire.. Shes not your baby mama anymore. Somebody fought wars and died for you!. Mark Robinsons comments calling transgenderism and homosexuality filth.. [8] Robinson has said that his father was abusive and alcoholic, and that he and his family suffered from domestic violence; Robinson and his siblings lived in foster care for part of their childhood, before moving back in with their mother, who worked as a custodian. He unveiled his plans at a rally Saturday. To hear this from a member of such a high office signals to countless folks that they're unwelcome in our state. he said at the meeting. Its time you got up off your tail and went and go paid it.". Our Lt. ", 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. One of the words Robinson used "transgenderism" was adopted by anti-transgender activists to make being transgender sound like a condition, according to the LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD. We will not back down. "Ain't nothing but men and women You can go to the doctor and get cut up. Mark Robinson, North Carolinas Republican lieutenant governor, dismissed a call for his resignation on Friday after he was exposed on videotape calling members of Theyre painted-up, striped-up jackasses. Robinson's entry was anticipated for well over a year, with the Greensboro native heavily hinting at a run in speeches and fundraising appeals. "If Lt. There are few things more sacred than the decisions we make about our bodies and our families, she said in a statement. And if you dont like it that I called it filth, come see me and Ill explain it to you., After the video was released Wednesday, Democratic state Sen. Jeff Jackson called for Robinson to resign, saying such open discrimination is completely unacceptable., Calling many of your own constituents "filth" means you have no intention of representing them. I think hes worked hard for where he is today, said Ruthann Harris, 78, of Elon, who attended the rally. "[People] tell me that that is not true, Robinson said Friday. Unfiltered, unchecked nuttery, alternative weekly Indy Week said in its daily email Tuesday. Mark Robinson | Lieutenant Governor Robinsons popularity among the Republican base and flush coffers put him squarely at the top of the list of candidates for a GOP primary. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). And yes I called it filth. In the video, Robinson is seen speaking at Asbury Baptist Church in Seagrove, North Carolina, in June. We dont come from some weak, jelly-backed, spineless people. The video, first shared by Right Wing Watch, a project of the progressive advocacy group People For the American Way, shows Robinson speaking at the Asbury Baptist Church in Seagrove during a visit in June, local NBC affiliate WRAL reported. But since the late 1960s, only three of them all Democrats have made the leap to governor. North Carolina Lt. Gov. As for Walker, it was his distribution of Robinson's 2018 For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. I have a chance to be a symbol to others in humble beginnings, and despite what anyone else may tell you, you can achieve anything.". The office of lieutentant governor has been considered for several decades as a stepping stone to the states highest office. Robinson and his wife, Yolanda, appeared in a video to address a social media post the lieutenant governor said he wrote 10 years ago years before entering politics but had gained attention this week. Gov. Conservative Robinson joins race for N. Carolina governor And if you don't like that I called it filth, come see me and I'll explain it to you.". Its abhorrent to hear anyone, and especially an elected official, use hateful rhetoric that hurts people and our states reputation, said spokesperson Jordan Monaghan. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Robinson said Saturday he wants to make North Carolina a destination state for life," which he said includes his support for legislation preventing abortions once an ultrasound first detects fetal cardiac activity, typically about six weeks after fertilization. In a statement this weekend, Walker said he understands the desire of his supporters "to nominate a Republican who can hold up under the scrutiny a candidate for governor will undergo. [21] Robinson's reports also stated that Robinson's wife spent $4,500 for "campaign clothing" but gave no details. [25] He has indicated that he wants to remove science and social studies from first through fifth grade curriculum, abolish the State Board of Education, and expand charter schools and school voucher programs, potentially supplanting the public school system. How refreshing.. It is completely unacceptable," Jackson wrote, in part. However, he said he wasn't talking about equality when it comes to sexual orientation. As for Walker, it was his distribution of Robinsons 2018 speech that helped vault him to fame. Mark Robinson has formally entered next year's race for governor. Robinson's popularity among the Republican base and flush coffers put him squarely at the top of the list of candidates for a GOP primary. But the choice of venue reinforced his narrative as an anti-establishment candidate looking out for average folks. Video surfaces of North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson calling Despite Republican success in controlling the state legislature, the GOP has won the governors office just once since 1992, back in 2012. Governor Robinson still doesn't understand how anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric is received in North Carolina, he should ask former Governor Pat McCrory. But when your free speech proves you to be a hypocrite and I will say this publicly, proves you to be a hypocrite and a liar we wont stand silent. North Carolina Lieutenant Gov. Robinson made his offensive remarks while speaking in June at the Asbury Baptist Church in the town of Seagrove. 'Chance to be a symbol': As expected, Robinson declares bid for governor. North Carolina No one is perfect, but no one is too far gone to be saved, Robinson says. Robinson, who in 2020 was elected the state's first Black lieutenant governor, has previously said hes extremely likely to run for the states highest executive office. RALEIGH, N.C. (WGHP) Greensboro native Mark Robinson is at it again using a speech at a church to make incendiary remarks. Robinson hasnt apologized for such remarks, saying that he wasnt attacking the LGBTQ+ community but rather that it was a judgment on reading materials in public schools. He also has said he can separate his religious views from the responsibilities of office. '"[23] In 2020, Robinson asserted that the coronavirus was a "globalist" conspiracy to defeat Donald Trump, and dismissed the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, writing, "The looming pandemic I'm most worried about is SOCIALISM. But others have questioned whether his aggressive, conservative style and blunt comments about LGBTQ+ rights, abortion and the role of women make him the party's best choice to win a general election in a closely divided state. The article includes 2016 comments that Robinson made after the shooting at the gay nightclub Pulse, in Orlando, Florida, in which 49 patrons many of them young LGBTQ people were killed and dozens more wounded before the shooter died in a shootout with law enforcement. It's focused on what he said during an event in June. [33] As lieutenant governor, the constitution prescribed that Robinson served as acting governor when Cooper left the state, though Cooper regularly did not inform Robinson on his departures. Heres how. WebNorth Carolina Lt. Gov. Core to Robinsons remarks, both Friday and in other speeches, is the idea that anyone can succeed in America and that racism and circumstance arent enough to hold people back. He argues that todays Republican Party is the same as it was under Abraham Lincoln the party of freedom and disagrees with anyone who suggests the GOP has become a bastion of racism. [34] The task force was later expanded to 15 members. Republican leaders speak at NCGOP State Convention 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. He gave thanks to border patrollers, who he says dont have the support of Washington, questioning President Joe Biden's commitment border security. 2023 Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. And, yes, that includes the daddy. ", He added, "He is the Lieutenant Governor for all North Carolinians and will fight for and protect the rights of all citizens. For the political left, it was more lunacy from a fringe politician whos now the mainstream of the modern Republican Party.
mark robinson north carolina speech