FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rev. Vance Haywood Phone: 919.390.4580 Email: vanceh@stjohnsmcc.org

Faith Leaders across NC demand action from Lt. Governor Robinson

Press Conference
Monday, 11 October 2021
5:00pm-6:00pm
310 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

Faith and community leaders from more than 20 organizations, and representing more than 380,000 LGBTQ North Carolinans and their allies, will gather at 310 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601 (The office of the Lieutenant Governor) on Monday, 11 October 2021, at 5 pm to present a list of their demands in response to Lt. Governor Mark Robinson's attacks against queer people and the LGBTQ community.

This action directly results from the Lt. Governor's failure to respond on Friday to an open letter requesting a meeting with faith and community leaders. The letter stated, "Your words have caused immeasurable harm and have the potential to cost people their lives, Mr. Robinson; you have an opportunity to make right the wrong and harm (sin) you have done, and we would like to help you." (View the letter at https://wearenotfilth.mailchimpsites.com/)

During the press conference today at 5 pm, the following demands will be made public:

1. Mr. Robinson must immediately and publicly apologize to the LGBTQ Community for the hateful attack he made in June during his remarks at Asbury Baptist Church.

2. Hold to his word and immediately make himself available for meetings with impacted persons, community, and faith leaders as he offered to do during his remarks at Asbury Baptist Church.

3. If Mr. Robinson is not willing to take these actions immediately,NC faith and community leaders are calling for his immediate resignation or forced removal from the office of Lt. Governor for the state of North Carolina.

Every hour that passes without a full and heartfelt retraction by Mr. Robinson places NC LGBTQ persons' lives at risk:

• According to the FBI, hate crimes are rising nationally in 2021, and incidents directed toward the LGBTQ community make up roughly 17% of those reported.

• 2021 is on track to be the deadliest for transgender and gender non-conforming people in the US, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

• The Trevor Project estimates that at least one LGBTQ youth between the ages of 13–24 attempts suicide every 45 seconds in the U.S.

In addition, we publicly invite the business community, elected officials, and concerned citizens to join us for a collective demonstration and march later this week, where we will update the public on Mr. Robinson's response in our continuing pursuit of justice, equality, and protection for all North Carolinians. To learn more, visit https://wearenotfilth.mailchimpsites.com/.

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