North Carolina's Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson says that biological men who use women's restrooms "will be arrested."
Robinson, a leading candidate in the state's gubernatorial election, also said that people who are confused about which bathroom to use should “find a corner outside somewhere.”
The Republican candidate discussed transgender bathroom issues during a campaign rally in Cary on Friday.
“We’re going to defend women in this state,” Robinson said. “That means if you’re a man on Friday night, and all of a sudden Saturday you feel like a woman and you want to go in the women’s bathroom in the hall, you will be arrested — or whatever we got to do to you.”
Robinson also discussed the issue during a campaign event in Greenville the same day, telling the crowd, “If you are confused [about which bathroom to use], find a corner outside somewhere. I’m sorry, we’re not tearing society down because of this.”
In 2016, North Carolina made national news after passing "The Bathroom Bill" (HB2), which required people to use the bathroom that corresponds with their biological sex.
The law caused massive boycotts and protests — and the NCAA famously banned the state from hosting college sports championships.
The legislation was partially repealed in 2017 and fully repealed in 2020.
It is not currently illegal for biological males to use bathrooms meant for women and girls in North Carolina.
Since the law was repealed, transgender use of bathrooms, locker rooms, and participation in women's sports has become a major political battle.
Multiple states have since enacted restrictions to protect the privacy of women and girls.
Last year, North Carolina banned biological male athletes from participating in girls' sports.
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Robinson in June.
