A recently resurfaced video of Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-NC) embracing a convicted sex offender at a December 2022 LGBT event has sparked outrage in North Carolina’s race for Attorney General. Jackson, who is the Democratic nominee, praised Chad Turner, a local LGBT leader convicted of lewd acts on a minor, during the event before the two shared a public hug.
Turner, who was the CEO of the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce, had resigned from his leadership position after his criminal history came to light in 2016, but reports indicate he continued to be active in the organization.
Jackson’s campaign has stated that he was unaware of Turner’s past when accepting an award from the group. However, the revelation has drawn criticism from conservative media outlets, who are questioning Jackson’s judgment and highlighting his previous opposition to North Carolina’s “bathroom bill,” a law co-sponsored by his Republican opponent Rep. Dan Bishop (R-NC).
Turner was one of the key supporters of the 2016 Charlotte ordinance that led to the creation of the bathroom bill, which required individuals to use public facilities that matched their biological sex. Jackson, an outspoken critic of the bill, has found himself under increased scrutiny for his involvement with LGBT activists like Turner.
The video has added fuel to an already contentious Attorney General race, as voters prepare to cast their ballots in November.
