Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, the frontrunner for North Carolina's governor's race, has seemingly undergone a shift in his stance on abortion. Previous recordings reveal Robinson's unwavering support for strict abortion bans without exceptions, likening the act to murder and drawing comparisons to slavery and genocide. However, an investigative team recently discovered that Robinson now avoids mentioning the word 'abortion' altogether.
The change in rhetoric seems to stem from the Republican Party's recognition that the issue of abortion has become a losing battle for them. Robinson himself has expressed a reluctance to discuss the topic further. Nevertheless, evidence shows that he had previously voiced support for stringent anti-abortion laws, specifically those lacking exceptions for cases of rape or incest.
In the past, Robinson went as far as labeling women who terminated pregnancies, even within 24 hours, as murderers. He also referred to abortion providers as 'butchers of humanity.' These statements have raised eyebrows and sparked controversy surrounding the lieutenant governor's extreme views.
Furthermore, Robinson's recent claims contradict his earlier assertions. He now insists that he never supported a ban on abortion without exceptions for rape or incest. He appears to have toned down his rhetoric by indicating that he supports bans but also backs exceptions for these circumstances. Additionally, Robinson admitted to financially contributing to an abortion his then-girlfriend, now wife, underwent in the 1980s, a decision he claims to regret.
It is important to note that Robinson's controversial statements do not end with abortion-related issues. He has faced criticism for derogatory remarks aimed at teenage activists from the Parkland shooting, referring to them as 'spoiled little bastards' and 'prostitutes' due to their advocacy for gun control. Robinson has affirmed his strong pro-gun stance and openly opposed the civil rights movement, attributing a loss of freedoms to its influence. He has also made disturbing claims suggesting a connection between the founders of Planned Parenthood and witchcraft or satanism.
The lieutenant governor's office declined to respond to specific quotes but mentioned his support for a so-called heartbeat bill—an abortion ban typically imposed at six to ten weeks gestation, with exceptions for rape and incest.
It is worth mentioning that Robinson has a history of controversial statements, including Holocaust denial and anti-Semitic attacks on Jewish bankers, as evidenced by his past social media posts. As his campaign for governor progresses, he appears to be attempting to moderate his rhetoric, although he has not secured the nomination yet.
