On Tuesday, LGBTQ activists from the Reclaim Pride Coalition congregated by the Samaritan’s Purse field hospital in Central Park to protest the city, state, and Mount Sinai Hospital for partnering with the evangelical relief organization which has long been known for homophobic and discriminatory policies and doctrines, NBC News reports.
The Reclaim Pride Coalition condemned the powers that be for allowing Samaritan’s Purse, which is lead by Franklin Graham – son of Billy Graham – to lead the treatment of sick patients while having such backwards views, which don’t display compassion at a time when it’s needed.
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According to NBC News, an LGBTQ activist had attempted to volunteer at the field hospital, but was rejected for refusing to sign the statement.
LGBTQ Nation reports on another person rejected for refusing to align his beliefs with those of the organization.
In a statement to Religious News Service, Franklin Graham said “We provide our services to everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation.”
So they only discriminate against volunteers.
The city’s attorney general and Mayor de Blasio have made statements ensuring they would stay on top of Samaritan’s Purse to prevent discriminatory practices ..
I am not sure why FEMA did not build the Field Hospitals like at Stony Brookl University, as to avoid controversy at this difficult time.
I am not sure why the LBGTQ activist couldn’t find another organization in which to volunteer, as to avoid controversy at this difficult time.
This article seems so sad to have spotlighted. I’ve always loved this blog but to post something negative about an organization who is spending their money and efforts to help NYC is just gross. And sad. They are hear to help everyone and this petty article is helping No one.
Franklin Graham’s support of Donald Trump is part of the reason why the COVID-19 crisis is so bad in NYC and the entire country. Trump was told in January what he needed to do but blew it off. We could have been South Korea. Instead we’re Italy. COVID meets Trump is the perfect storm. And Graham helped elect Trump and continues to back him. Samaritan Purse adds 68 beds. We don’t need them. Get them out of here.
The Javits Center isn’t full yet. They have room for 68 patients. Then there is still the ship.
STOP!!!!! Grow up!!!! Hit the “I want to mature” button and then tell the immature fool next to you about the button and where to locate it!!!! Petty petty immature and typical 1st world courty mentality… Are you joking with me!!!! You ALL need a reality check BIG time I truly hope that every last one of us get the reality check needed…. Grown adults talking like ungrateful Fools!!!!!
Whoa, well that response is 99.9% emotion and zippo logic. Samaritan Purse is a front for Franklin Graham, the chief evangelical Trump supporter. Before Trump changed his tune, Graham was part of the right wing “it’s a hoax chorus.” Now he wants credit for Christan charity. Sorry, we’re not that stupid. Graham is part of the problem, not the solution. Get him out of here.
Trump was told by advisors and WHO! How to handle this pandemic, Cry baby Trump hater!
Ok, what do you not understand? It’s really simple. Every public health officer, every epidemiologist recommended systematic testing, contact tracing and isolation in Jan. Like they did in countries that have a fraction of our rates. Yes, I’m crying for the 1,000s who didn’t need to die. You would too if you had a brain and a heart. But I guess you’re like feckless leader.
They came in good faith to help st a time when both the Mayor and Governor asked for help. This is just being used to create disharmony. Shame on the protesters- don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
and why are the protesters allowed to “congregate”???
which has long been known for homophobic and discriminatory policies and doctrines,
BUT not known for performing acts of charity and aid??
Good grief. Stop your whining and go volunteer.
Go volunteer and stop complaining
This is a free country they have their rights like LBGQT do. Respect for everyone even if they have different beliefs.
What are the protesters doing to help during this pandemic? —-Silence—- that’s right – nothing.
I don’t think it is a hard stretch to imagine as this organization has Christian-mandated restrictions on who can volunteer, why would they NOT discriminate against who they treat? I am imagining that Mount Sinai is probably vetting who gets treated “on the field.” It is curious to me why NYC/Mount Sinai decison makers would think that THIS particular organization would be appropriate for our diverse NYC community.
Is a Gift Horse the same thing as the famous Trojan Horse?
Now that I’ve gone online and read the statement of faith I am even more dismayed by this article. It seems that you didn’t even bother to do your due diligence and read about the organization yourself before judging or even read the whole part of the statement that you quoted. This really seems more like discrimination on your side because you don’t like Christians who may believe differently than you do. They help people all over the world not just certain people… ALL people. Please let’s try to not make things worse than they already are by stirring up unnecessary controversy. Very disappointing.
It sickening that Samaritan’s purse has been allowed to encamp on our hallowed ground of Central Park. An exorcism is in order when they vacate.
Samaritan Purse is doing a good job in helping the sick New Yorkers, we should thank them for their good deeds in this time of pandemic and set aside our differences. There’s always a time and place for protesting. I’m sad that this is happening.
If my mother were dying and she had a bed in Central Park, if they were caring for her I would be extremely grateful. You can volunteer at hundreds of places not just this one.
Wayne
Samaritan’s Purse is a worldwide relief organization. Can these selfish protesters please not disturb the patients at the hospital and in the tent with their nonsense? It’s a global pandemic and trying to volunteer at a religious organization’s free hospital just to bitch about it is incredibly selfish. They are also being retarded in their congregating and hollering without their masks on next to literally THE coronavirus hotspot. Shame.
So sad the protesters are intolerant of the volunteers.