North Carolina Lt. Gov. 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.". I was supposed to be crushed by racism as a Black man in the South, he said under rain showers. He praised parents who refuse to have their children indoctrinated by [critical race theory]. And he thanked teachers who are pushing back against those agendas, fighting to do what's right for our students.. [35], The body released a report on summitted complaints in late August 2021. Robinsons 35-minute speech Saturday included addressing fiscal matters like inflation, school safety and supporting law enforcement. Robinson began his [45] In 2022, Robinson clarified that the woman in question was his eventual wife, Yolanda.[46]. I think hes worked hard for where he is today, said Ruthann Harris, 78, of Elon, who attended the rally. Allison Scott, the director of impact and innovation at the Campaign for Southern Equality, an LGBTQ advocacy group based in North Carolina, said Robinson's comments remind her of the insults the LGBTQ community regularly endured a decade ago. Robinson himself said during a brief conversation Tuesday as he left the Senate floor, and as a staffer pressed to wrap things up, that the speech spoke for itself. UNCG will suffer from state's new funding formula, say retired faculty members, Rewards total $30,000 for information on shooting of 24-year-old found dead in Greensboro apartment, Jim Spivey, a former athletics director at Reynolds High School, dies, Report details final minutes for plane that crashed in Guilford County, Can this relationship be salvaged? "These words are repugnant and offensive. "[People] tell me that that is not true, Robinson said Friday. Mark Robinson on Saturday made some of his strongest statements yet suggesting he will run for governor in 2024. Governor Mark Robinson launches new website to report 'indoctrination' in North Carolina public schools", "Mark Robinson's Super-Secret Indoctrination Task Force", "NC Dems say production of Lt. Gov. Esperti OCF nella Protezione Patrimoniale. You aint changed what God put in you that DNA. Our students have struggled with these topics even before the pandemic. It's focused on what he said during an event in June. You can go down to the dress shop and get made up. It reminds me of the argument about seatbelts, Robinson said. [12], Robinson attributed the beginning of his interest in conservative politics to his reading of a book by Rush Limbaugh, after which he "found out that I was conservative and always had been. Robinson critics have pointed to speeches he has made in conservative churches and on radio shows that touched on his antipathy to LGBTQ+ activism and support for banning abortion. 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. The lieutenant governor is a professed Christian and said he doesnt want to force his religious views on people. North Carolina Lt Governor Mark Robinson arrives for a rally where he announced his candidacy for governor, on Saturday, in Elon. Mark Robinson could have a shot at becoming North Carolina's next lieutenant governor. [28][23] Robinson also appeared at an interview with fringe pastor Sean Moon, who claimed that he planned to become "king of the United States"; in the interview, Moon claimed that the Rothschild family was one of the "four horsemen of the apocalypse" and promoted the antisemitic conspiracy theory of a cabal of Jewish "international bankers" who rule every country's central bank. 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. I dont care what you call them. he said at the meeting. 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. It is completely unacceptable," Jackson wrote, in part. If you want to tell the truth about it, it is you who owes. But Robinson endorsed Ted Budd for U.S. Senate last year rather than Walker, who finished a distant third to Budd in the GOP primary. Everyone needs access to abortion, even Mark Robinson, spokesperson Rachel Stein said in a news release Wednesday. This is how, U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop of Charlotte wrote in a tweet Thursday. [14], In a 2012 social media post, Robinson acknowledged that in 1989, he paid for a woman that he impregnated to get an abortion. 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. Thats where the trouble is, and thats what weve got to run to," Robinson said in the clip. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Mark Robinson's speech to state GOP filled with hyperbole on social issues, NCHSAA board will consider policy allowing high school athletes to profit off NIL, Canes will start Round 2 at home against winner of Monday's Rangers-Devils, Slugging UNC signee Luke Stevenson leads Wake Forest on state championship push, Six Harris Teeters impacted by threats Monday, End-of-regular-season boys tennis rankings, Emancipate NC fighting for change after baby taken from mother, Students learning basics of flying drones in preparation for FAA test, Manhunt continues for Texas man who shot, killed neighbors. Once a woman is pregnant, her body is no longer her own. They will look at me in my face and call me a liar, tell me that freedom is dead in this country, he continued. It was the hardest decision we have ever made and sadly, we made the wrong one.. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Copyright 2023 WTVD-TV. primary", "Political newcomer Mark Robinson of Greensboro wins GOP nomination for lieutenant governor", "Democrats avoid a runoff in NC, setting up history-making election for Lt. North Carolina Lt. Gov. While in office, Robinson also has attacked what he calls the indoctrination of children in the public schools and backed legislation that limited how teachers can discuss certain racial concepts in the classroom. A survey late last year of likely Republican primary voters looked at hypothetical match-ups between Robinson and other potential GOP candidates for 2024. 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. Controversy is swirling around North Carolina Lt. Gov. pic.twitter.com/aXjCPFKTs0. Robinson thanked law enforcement, while denouncing groups that seek to reduce police funding. In the wide-ranging, forcefully delivered and well-received speech, North Carolinas first Black lieutenant governor visited just about every front of the nations ongoing culture wars. Robinson, 52, said there are only two genders, rejecting the concept of gender fluidity as well as the beliefs of people assigned male or female at birth, but whose internal sense of gender doesnt match that. [26], Robinson's past antisemitic comments have drawn scrutiny and condemnation. Mark Robinson announces 2024 bid for governor, setting up GOP primary battle", "North Carolina: Mark Robinson attracts scrutiny as extremist in Republican race", Lt. governor says he paid for wifes abortion before they were married, "North Carolina's first Black lieutenant governor-elect Mark Robinson hopes to inspire others with personal story", "WRAL: NC Lt. Gov. [9][11] While working in furniture manufacturing, he took history classes at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, with the goal of securing a degree and becoming a history teacher. "[37] North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein made similar comments. [14][15], Robinson ran in the 2020 election for lieutenant governor of North Carolina. Abortion, race, transgender rights - North Carolina's first black lieutenant governor blasts the left at every turn, and Republicans love him for it. This was old school hate.https://t.co/uFDA9VzJA8, An aide for Democratic North Carolina Gov. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. He spoke the words in the context of American soldiers sent to World War II, making the point that nobody wants to go to battle but they do so anyway out of a sense of duty. He added: "And yes, I called it filth. I think hes worked hard for where he is today, said Ruthann Harris, 78, of Elon, who attended the rally. (AP Photo/Bryan Anderson), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news, hes fairly certain that hell run for governor in 2024. [33], After swearing into office, Robinson began focusing on education issues, particularly with regards to the appropriateness of instructional and reading materials available to children enrolled in schools. He said sacrifice and service are other integral parts of the Republican partys principles. 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. I will use it in the future because, again, it is time for parents in this state to take a strong stand for their children.. A 2019 poll from Public Policy Polling found that 67 percent of voters in North Carolina support such legislation, with 19 percent in opposition. It is not! 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. This time Robinson, the For the political left, it was more lunacy from a fringe politician whos now the mainstream of the modern Republican Party. ", 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Among other things, he has criticized an editorial cartoon that ran on WRAL.com's opinion page comparing him and other Republican members of the State Board of Education to the Ku Klux Klan over their attempt to limit how the history of racism is taught in North Carolina social studies classes. ", Lt. North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Its time you got up off your tail and went and go paid it.". In a statement emailed to NBC News Friday, Jordan Monaghan, Cooper's press secretary, called Robinson's comments "abhorrent.". Copyright 2021 STUDIO CLARUS sas | P.I. He said that debt can be paid by going to school, getting a job and taking care of your children. ", I don't need a legacy of a political career," he said. Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost? Our primary focus needs to be helping our students succeed, not on topics that should be discussed at home., When asked whether Robinson has a response to criticism that his comments were anti-LGBTQ regardless of the context, Waugh said Robinson "affirms every individuals Constitutional right to identify or express themselves in anyway they desire. "These comments are abhorrent. Robinson was born in Greensboro, North Carolina, as the ninth of ten children. LGBTQ advocates have said that views like Robinson's don't represent the majority of North Carolinians. ", He added, "He is the Lieutenant Governor for all North Carolinians and will fight for and protect the rights of all citizens. The Saturday speech was the latest on a national stage for Robinson, who is a regular at high-profile national events that support conservative causes. Other competitors are also lining up to try to succeed Democratic Gov. You see that's the problem in that statement.. [21] After these expenses came under scrutiny in 2021, Robinson's campaign blamed "clerical errors"; the executive director of the watchdog group Common Cause North Carolina filed a formal complaint with the State Board of Elections over the discrepancies. I think hes honest. The state Democratic Party criticized Robinson for attending the event. Robinsons 35-minute speech Saturday included addressing fiscal matters like inflation, school safety and supporting law enforcement. But the choice of venue reinforced his narrative as an anti-establishment candidate looking out for average folks. State law currently bans nearly all abortions after 20 weeks. The language I used, I am not ashamed of it. The office of lieutentant governor has been considered for several decades as a stepping stone to the state's highest office. Robinson noted that he was not speaking at the church in his role as a public official. His 2020 campaign was his first. "We must focus on reading, writing, and mathematics in North Carolina. 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. He won the Republican nomination, clearing the 30% threshold to avoid a primary runoff, defeating state senator Andy Wells, superintendent of public instruction Mark Johnson, former congresswoman Renee Ellmers, and former state representative Scott Stone. There's no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality any of that filth," he said. North Carolina Republican Lt. Gov. Despite Republican success in controlling the state legislature, the GOP has won the governor's office just once since 1992, back in 2012. 'If you get in a little trouble, its alright to murder somebody to get out of it.' And you know why theyre not dead? WebIn the primary election, Mark achieved a strong victory in a crowded field of eight impressive candidates, garnering just over thirty- two percent of the vote, allowing him to avoid a Among Republicans in North Carolina, those figures are 50 percent and 32 percent, respectively. Robinson addresses high-profile conservative conference, The enigma of Mark Robinson: How NC's outspoken lieutenant governor is climbing the GOP ladder, Canes will start Round 2 at home against winner of Monday's Rangers-Devils, 'I'm sorry, I love you': Harnett Co. man arrested after telling police he killed wife, One of men linked to murder of Wake Deputy Ned Byrd has escaped from jail, Deadly crash in Clinton splits car in half, kills at least 2, Panthers oust record-setting Bruins 4-3 in OT in Game 7, Manhunt continues for Texas man who shot, killed neighbors, NC obscenity bill that could address some drag shows up for senate vote Monday, Texas shooting suspect still on the run; $80,000 reward offered, 81-year-old overcomes challenges to graduate. [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. Some complaints pertained to allegedly biased lesson plans and instructional materials, while others directly attacked the task force itself as a fishing expedition and a waste of resources. [26], On his Facebook page, which has more than 100,000 followers, Robinson's posts, which have impugned transgender people, Muslims, former President Barack Obama, and African-Americans who support Democrats, have drawn criticism. RALEIGH, N.C. (WGHP) Greensboro native Mark Robinson is at it again using a speech at a church to make incendiary remarks. I think hes honest. 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. Why are they out there? Robinson said. You saw those train tracks. And it offers possible clues about what he might discuss Monday when he gives the state GOP response to Coopers State of the State address. He has also repeatedly alleged that indoctrination in schools is a serious issue. He unveiled his plans at a rally Saturday. The role of a leader is to bring people together and stand up for the dignity and rights of everyone; not to spread hate and undermine their own office," said Andrew Bates, White House deputy press secretary. Kendra Johnson, the executive director of Equality NC, an LGBTQ nonprofit, said the group condemns Robinson's "dangerous rhetoric. The track's owners are still fighting the Cooper administration in court over its temporary closure. That is a painted up, marked-up, dressed-up jackass.. Being transgender is a delusion, he said. But the choice of venue reinforced his narrative as an anti-establishment candidate looking out for average folks. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson announces run for NC governor at rainy Ace Speedway rally During a speech at CPAC in early March, he called his intent to run for governor "the worst kept secret" in North Carolina but had not yet made it official. News Politics WNCN Raleigh Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson announces run for NC governor at rainy Ace Speedway rally Voters diverge more when broken down by political party. An episode of Bar Rescue featuring a Hickory pub will air on April 23, according to a Paramount Network representative. Robinsons 35-minute speech included support for tax cuts and law enforcement. [35] The task force did not comply with the state open meeting law by maintaining records of its meetings or transactions. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I was supposed to be crushed by racism as a Black man in the South, he Studio Clarus usa i dati che fornisci al solo scopo di rispondere alle vostre richieste nel rispetto del Regolamento UE 2016/679 GDPR. A group called "Right Wing Watch" posted the clip to social media Wednesday. [34] The task force was later expanded to 15 members. 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. State law currently bans nearly all abortions after 20 weeks. We dont come from some weak, jelly-backed, spineless people. "[24][28], Robinson was sworn in on January 9, 2021. Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein announced his bid in January. WebIn a June 2021 speech at a Seagrove, North Carolina church, Robinson disparaged "transgenderism and homosexuality" as "filth", saying: "There's no reason anybody Governor of North Carolina. 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. "What I'm talking about are intimate details and yes, there is material out there that shares intimate details about homosexuality, about sexuality in general, to our students. Roy Cooper, who is barred by the state consitution from seeking a third consecutive term. As for Walker, it was his distribution of Robinsons 2018 speech that helped vault him to fame. The video emerged this week. But he said that homosexuality and transgenderism are against the tenets of my religion and have no place in public schools. Mark Robinson addressing transgenderism at the Upper Room Church of God in Christ in Raleigh, North Carolina in I think hell listen to the people, said Nim Harris, her husband. 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. The White House also issued a statement criticizing Robinson. [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. Gubernatorial rivals already have been pushing back at Robinson even before the formal announcement. 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. "There's no debate here. North Carolina senators are calling for Lt. Gov. Candidate for Governor Join Mark's Army today Any elected official talking about such a personal event is unusual. Republican Lt. Gov. [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. Grandmother is charged with murder. Mark Robinson formally entered next years gubernatorial race at a rally Saturday, with the sharp-spoken social conservative saying North Carolina neads a leader like him who can relate to the challlenges and desires of working people. [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 Criticized Over Anti-LGBT Views", North Carolina's lieutenant governor has Jewish community on high alert: Republican Mark Robinson has drawn scrutiny for past antisemitic comments, refusing to apologize even after assuming office, "Muslim 'invaders' and transgender 'delusion': Lt. gov. 'Chance to be a symbol': As expected, Robinson declares bid for governor. Somebody had to walk through Jim Crow for you! "Every single person in our state deserves respect -- not only because it's right, but because it's necessary to build the kind of future we want for North Carolina.". I was supposed to be crushed by racism as a Black man in the South, he said under rain showers. Its abhorrent to hear anyone, and especially an elected official, use hateful rhetoric that hurts people and our states reputation, said spokesperson Jordan Monaghan. He came to prominence a few years back when he took the Greensboro, NC, city council to task over 2A rights. "[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. Some state senators have taken a harder line and are demanding that Robinson resign, calling his remarks discriminatory. [28] After the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, Robinson wrote that "Homosexuality is STILL an abominable sin and I WILL NOT join in 'celebrating gay pride. Governor", "Meet the black gun rights activist who could make history for Republicans", "Grassroots effort drives Mark Robinson to shock win in GOP Lt. Gov. Democrat Jeff Jackson, who is running for U.S. Senate, called on Robinson to resign over the comments made on the video. Roy Cooper, state officials sworn in during inauguration ceremony", "Lt. Some scientific research indicates that gender is not so simple as chromosomes or genitalia. [12] They live in High Point, North Carolina. But since the late 1960s, only three of them all Democrats have made the leap to governor. MAYODAN Get ready to swivel your hips, hang bright leis around your necks and see hula dancers and a fire show. Sen. Jeff Jackson, a Democrat representing North Carolina's 37th District which includes the state's most populous city, Charlotte condemned Robinson's comments in a series of tweets on Thursday and Friday. WRAL reached out Tuesday to the North Carolina NAACP to ask if the group wanted to comment on some of Robinson's remarks about race and racism in America, but did not get a response. Antifa, a loosely knit protest movement around the country, "wants to roam the streets and beat you into submission," he said. Robinsons 30-minute speech was marked by applause, shouts of agreement and standing ovations. Mark Robinson, North Carolinas Republican lieutenant governor, dismissed a call for his resignation on Friday after he was exposed on videotape calling members of Elected the state's first Black lieutenant governor in 2020 in his frst run for political office, Robinson would make similar history if he wins the governorship. Robinson also touched on national themes Republicans have focused on at the national level in recent years. Some Democratic North Carolina state senators are calling for the resignation of Robinson, a Republican, after footage of him saying that American Gov. Theres no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality any of that filth, he said in a sermon at the church. All Rights Reserved. [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. Mark Robinson has formally entered next year's race for governor. [44] Robinson had filed for bankruptcy on three occasions, has been sued for payments, and had liens placed on him by the Internal Revenue Service as recently as 2012.