Philly Lawmaker Welcomes VP Pence With Middle Finger Photo

PHILADELPHIA – State Rep. Brian Sims (D-Philadelphia) had a harsh message for Vice President Mike Pence on Tuesday as Pence came to the city for a Republican Governor's Association fundraiser.

On social media, Sims welcomed Pence with the bird. Not the Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop: the middle finger.

Pence was in Philadelphia Tuesday night for the fundraiser at the Rittenhouse Hotel. Protesters gathered outside the hotel to condemn the Trump Administration's "zero tolerance" immigration policy that is separating parents and children who cross the border illegally, and has put hundreds of migrant children in holding camps.

Sims, who is openly gay, joined opponents of Pence and the administration in his welcome message.

"To be clear, we’re a City of soaring diversity," he wrote on Facebook. "We believe in the power of all people to live and to contribute: Black, Brown, Queer, Trans, Atheist, Immigrant, we want you and we’ll respect you.

"So keep that in mind while you’re here raising money to attack more families, spread more lies, blaspheme with your bible, and maybe even talk to a woman without your wife in the room. We have plenty of them, and they’re pretty much all more powerful and more real than you have ever been."

Sims signed off on his message as such: "So...get bent, then get out!"

Sims also tweeted part of his message and photo, which spurred critical responses from the public.

Image via Pennsylvania House of Representatives