NC Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson stands by controversial comments about LGBTQ issues in schools

North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is doubling down on comments he called transgenderism and homosexuality "filth" drew widespread disgust and prompted calls for his resignation. 

The GOP rising star said during an address in June at the Asbury Baptist church in Seagrove, "There's no reason anybody anywhere in American should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth."

"And yes, I called it filth," he continued, "And if you don't like it that I called it filth, come see me and I'll explain it to you."

Robinson's comments blew up last week leading to scores of politicians and advocacy groups to denounce his words. 

White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates released a statement that read, "These words are repugnant and offensive. 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."

Robinson holds the second-highest office in the state of North Carolina. If Governor Roy Cooper (D) were ever unable to perform his duties, Robinson would take over. 

There is no mea culpa coming from Robinson's camp, however. When asked if he would opt to select a word besides "filth," he responded, "absolutely not." In fact, he doubled down on his language, saying he used the word "in reference to introducing it (LGBTQ issues) to children in the classroom."

"In our public schools, it has no place," he continued. 

On Oct. 1, Robinson made similar remarks at a celebration for the North Carolina Values Coalition. 

"And they're pushing these perverted agenda, to try to teach out children that they're really not boys or girls, or they're shoving this homosexuality garbage down their throats," he said. 

Wilson is clearly signaling that what is taught in classrooms is an issue he is putting into laser focus as he mulls over the next steps of his political career. In March, he launched a "fairness and accountability" task force – F.A.C.T.S. – the goal of which is to expose :indoctrination in the classroom." Through the task force's online portal, parents are able to report alleged instances of indoctrination taking place in their children's classrooms.