Psych association says NC GOP superintendent candidate misrepresented its LGBTQ+ stance
The American Psychological Association disavowed North Carolina Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Michele Morrow’s comments that the group’s definition of “LGBTQIA” includes pedophilia.
Morrow has made the claim that “LGBTQ+” includes pedophiles before, but she first linked the American Psychological Association to her stance at a forum hosted by the North Carolina Coalition for Charter Schools on Oct. 4.
“The American Psychological Association actually does say that the ‘plus’ represents any distinction that is not represented in those letters, and minor-attracted person is one of the definitions of one of those lifestyle choices,” Morrow said. “So, my point was we cannot keep our students safe and ensure that they’re going to be safe if we are allowing an entity that is saying that they accept all of these people.”
Morrow asserted that “the LGBTQIA agenda” in schools results in children being preyed upon by pedophiles. “I do not believe that we should be talking about or promoting the LGBTQIA agenda in our classrooms, and that is one of the reasons why I believe that children are being groomed,” she said.
However, the APA said Morrow was wrong.
“That characterization is not accurate,” APA Senior Director of Public Affairs Kim Mills told The Charlotte Observer Friday. “The American Psychological Association in 2011 passed a resolution that ‘repudiates and disassociates itself from any organization or publication that advocates sexual interaction between children and adults.’”
Mills said the organization reaffirms “its long-established position that sexual relations between children and adults are abusive, exploitive, reprehensible and properly punishable by law.”
Meanwhile, the APA has affirmed that LGBTQ identity is “a normal and positive variation of human sexual orientation,” and not a mental disorder since 1974, according to the organization’s Resolution on Appropriate Affirmative Responses to Sexual Orientation Distress and Change Efforts, adopted in 2009.
“The American Psychological Association has opposed stigma, prejudice, discrimination, and violence on the basis of sexual orientation and has taken a leadership role in supporting the equal rights of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals,” it reads.
The APA is a scientific and professional organization, with more than 157,000 members, including researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. It was founded in 1892 and is based in Washington, D.C.
Morrow clashes with opponent Green
Morrow first claimed the “+” in LGBTQ+ includes pedophilia on social media site X in September after her Democratic opponent, Mo Green, was endorsed by Equality NC, the largest LGBTQ advocacy organization in the state.
“NEWSFLASH…the ‘+’ includes PEDOPH*L*A!! “ Morrow wrote. “Mo Green will NOT keep our children safe!”
Green soon condemned Morrow’s statement, saying it endangers LGBTQ students, staff and parents.
“Every child deserves to learn, and every staff member deserves to work, in an environment that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive,” he said in a press release Sept. 17. “Politicians like Morrow use schools as battlegrounds for their culture wars, and it’s simply unacceptable.”
Morrow did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
The race has remained close for months, and Green had a 3% lead over Morrow in a new statewide poll released this week by NC Insider/State Affairs. The poll indicated 23% of voters remained undecided in the race. Election Day is Nov. 5, and early voting starts Thursday.
This story was originally published October 16, 2024 at 4:47 PM with the headline "Psych association says NC GOP superintendent candidate misrepresented its LGBTQ+ stance."
