North Carolina’s lieutenant governor criticized after suggesting Christians ‘are called to be led by men,’ not women

North Carolina’s lieutenant governor and Republican Party member Mark Robinson is facing criticism after he suggested Christian women should not hold leadership roles over men. According to WRAL, Robinson, who is expected to vie for the gubernatorial position in 2024, made those comments while addressing a congregation at a Charlotte-area church last month.

Robinson was criticizing the social justice movement during a May 22 event at the Freedom House Church when he made those comments. The multi-campus church archived his comments online. 

In his speech, Robinson encouraged Christian men to “put on the whole armor of God” and “take the head of your enemy in God’s name.” He also spoke about his exhaustion with being told how to behave as a Christian and a Black man. “We Shall Overcome,” he said in reference to the civil rights hymn.

“Not one time in my life when I faced adversity did I say, ‘You know, I shall overcome,’” said Robinson. “My God tells me that when I face adversity that, number one, I am to stand up like a man! M-A-N!”

The lieutenant governor then went ahead to say he was “getting ready to get in trouble” with his subsequent comments. 

“We are called to be led by men,” Robinson said as sounds of applause were heard. “God sent women out … when they had to do their thing, but when it was time to face down Goliath, [He] sent David. Not Davita, David.”

Robinson also added that Moses was selected by God to lead the Israelites. “Not Momma Moses,” he added. “Daddy Moses.”

In a statement on Tuesday, women of the state Senate Democratic Caucus condemned Robinson’s comments, saying it was misogynistic, WRAL reported. “We need more women leaders,” the statement said. “What we don’t need are politicians using their bully pulpit to literally bully women.”

Responding to the backlash, Robinson on Tuesday shared a video on social media saying his comments were taken out of context. 

“For someone to insinuate that I don’t believe that women can be leaders in their homes, and in their communities, and in their churches, and in their state, and in their nation, is absolutely 100% ridiculous,”  the lieutenant governor claimed. 

“…The comments that I made at Freedom House church were directed towards men and encouraging men to stand up and take on the role of leadership as well to be leaders in their homes and in their communities in this state in their nation.”

Women constitute over half of registered voters in North Carolina. And per reports, this isn’t the first time Robinson has made controversial comments.

The lieutenant governor, who is a Trump supporter, once took to social media to suggest Michelle Obama was a man, HuffPost reported. He also claims there is nothing like systemic racism and climate change. He has referred to the LGBTQ community as “filth,” and he is also the owner of AR-15 assault rifles.