The massive “Pro-Life Rally Against Bullying” has kicked off outside a Philadelphia Planned Parenthood in response to a Democratic representative who shamelessly harassed pro-life teenagers and offered money to anyone who could identify them on Twitter.
“Even those who persecute us, we are called to love,” declared pro-life OBGYN Dr. Monique Rubero, the first speaker at the event. “We are called to love the mothers, love the babies and love the [abortion] workers.”
Praying specifically for Rep. Sims, Rubero declared that, “whatever holes are in his soul, we pray they would be filled by the Holy Spirit.”
“We pray for him to be filled with God’s grace,” she added, before asking God for a “Saul to Paul conversion.”
Follow Faithwire’s Instagram updates of the event here.
A large crowd of pro-life advocates has gathered at the site, with many seen in prayer prior to the speakers taking to the podium.
Rep. Brian Sims has come under heavy fire after offering $100 to anyone who could dox the teenager pro-lifers who were peacefully gathered outside the Philadelphia abortion clinic.
Now, the pro-life community is hitting back, organizing its own rally outside the clinic. The “Pro-Life Rally Against Bullying” has attracted well-known advocates such as Michael Knowles, Abby Johnson, Lila Rose and Matt Walsh.
The rally drew such a large crowd it garnered some local media coverage:
Walsh gave an impassioned address outlining why the cause to protect the unborn is such a crucial issue to engage in.
“I’m grateful that we are not merely complaining right now. No, we decided to do something, we responded. We are engaging on the issue in the real world. I hope we continue this,” Walsh bellowed, speaking in front of a massive banner that read, “Pro-Life Pro-Love.”
“We are saying to the pro-life activists that they are not alone and that we are with them,” Walsh continued. “We can’t just be pro-life in our minds, we have to live that truth — to bring that truth out into the real world.”
It is unconfirmed at this time whether Brian Sims himself show up at any point. A Facebook page for the event indicates that some 300 people are confirmed to be going, but at this point, it looks as if this was a wild underestimation.
Faithwire’s Carly Hoilman has been providing updates from the scene:
“This Friday at 11 am ET, hear from pro-life leaders as we rally outside of the Southeastern Philadelphia Planned Parenthood against the bullying and violence of the abortion industry,” reads a description on the Facebook events page.
GoFundMe reaches goal
In a bid to use Sims’ bad behavior as a force for good, the parents of the girls he harrassed started a GoFundMe campaign with the aim of donating $100,000 to pro-life organizations.
As of Friday, the fund had exceeded its goal, raising over $114,000.
“It’s bad enough that a grown man would be trying to dox three teenage girls. It’s even worse that he is an elected official,” wrote dad Joe Garecht on the fundraising page. “Brian, if you have a problem with my wife and daughters praying outside of an abortion clinic, I’m the one you can talk to… instead of harassing teenage girls.”
Weak attempt at an apology
In response to the uproar at his gross actions, Sims issued a somewhat stilted apology on Twitter.
“As an activist and an advocate I know why pushing back against harassment and discrimination are a must even when they’re uncomfortable, but last week I wasn’t a patient escort, I was a neighbor and a concerned citizen, and I was aggressive,” Sims said, adding, ”I know that two wrongs don’t make a right, and I can do better, and I will do better for the women of Pennsylvania.”
Since the incident went viral on social media, a petition has been launched urging Sims to resign from office. It has attracted over 30,000 signatures so far.
We will keep you posted as things progress at today’s rally.