Philly Rep Draws Ire For Planned Parenthood Protest Video

PHILADELPHIA — State Rep. Brian Sims (D-182) is facing calls to resign after posting a video of himself confronting Planned Parenthood protesters recently and then sharing a video that some are calling a "non-apology."

Sims — whose district includes parts of Rittenhouse, Fitler Square, Logan Square, Midtown/Gayborhood, Washington Square West, Bella Vista, Hawthorne, Fairmount, Queen Village, and Market East and small parts of East Passyunk — shared a roughly eight-and-a-half minute long video online May 2 of a confrontation with protesters who were reportedly praying outside a Philadelphia Planned Parenthood.

The video is below:

Controversy is now surrounding the video and Sims, who posted a response video that came just shy of apologizing for the video.

See Sims' response below:

Now, the Republican Party Of Pennsylvania wants Sims' actions criminally investigated by local, state, and federal officials, and a petition has been launched calling for his resignation.

"Elected officials should not use their positions of power to harass citizens who are peacefully protesting," Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Val DiGiorgio said in a statement. "I hope our state and federal prosecutors will undertake review of this matter with the seriousness it deservers and uphold the role for which they were elected to, which demands holding people accountable for their actions."

DiGiorgio also criticized Sims' second video, calling it a "non-apology."

The petition demands Sims' resignation and calls on the state legislature to censure him if he does not resign.

"We call on Representative Brian Sims to resign immediately after this shameful harassment and bullying of a pro-life woman," the petition, launched by anti-abortion website LifeNews.com, reads. "If he does not resign, the Pennsylvania state legislature should censure him and take whatever other disciplinary measure that are appropriate."

A pro-life rally has been organized for 11 a.m. Friday, May 10 outside the Planned Parenthood Clinic at 12th and Locust Streets, according to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

"I’m calling on all people of good will to channel their indignation into right action and prayerful witness," Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said in a statement. "I’m encouraging broad participation in this peaceful initiative. Let us meet the hateful actions of Representative Sims with the love of Christ and let us fervently pray for respect for life from conception to natural death."

Sims was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and sworn in Jan. 1, 2013.