Mark Robinson, North Carolina Lt. Gov., Pushes for Prohibition of Transgender Bathroom Use

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor of North Carolina, has stirred up controversy with his call to revive a bathroom bill targeting transgender individuals.

In a recent speech, Robinson suggested that transgender people using women's restrooms should be detained and forced to find a secluded corner outdoors. Video recordings from campaign rallies captured Robinson's inflammatory comments, where he vowed to protect women by prosecuting those who do not use restrooms corresponding to their gender identity. While Robinson's opponents in the Republican nomination race have not directly addressed his anti-trans statements, they have criticized him for other offensive remarks, such as downplaying the Holocaust and making derogatory comments about women.

Campaign spokesman Alex Baltzegar warned that Robinson's divisive rhetoric could damage the GOP's electoral prospects, emphasizing the importance of a more inclusive approach. State Treasurer Dale Folwell, another GOP candidate for governor, echoed Robinson's transphobic views, advocating for gender-exclusive bathroom use for women and suggesting any necessary legislative changes be pursued through proper channels. Although Folwell expressed support for enforcing existing laws, he did not explicitly denounce Robinson's remarks.

Robinson has a history of making controversial anti-LGBTQ+ statements, labeling discussions about transgenderism and homosexuality as "filth" in a church speech and equating LGBTQ+ individuals with unsavory elements. With Robinson's anti-trans comments gaining attention, the Republican primary race for governor in North Carolina is becoming increasingly heated. His stance on transgender rights aligns with a broader pattern of discriminatory rhetoric, raising concerns about the potential impact on the GOP's electoral success.