Some left-wing NY officials don't want help from Samaritan's Purse

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Upon hearing the news that Samaritan's Purse — the relief organization run by Christian evangelist Franklin Graham — is coming to the aid of coronavirus victims in New York City by setting up a temporary hospital in Central Park, a couple of officials were none too pleased.

First up was New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who tweeted a statement berating the development: "Franklin Graham has a long history of spewing anti-LGBTQ hate speech, and I find it extremely troubling that he and his organization are involved in our relief efforts in any way. New York City is known around the world for its embrace of diversity, and Franklin Graham has spent his career standing against these values. I will be monitoring this situation closely and making sure that our city's values are being represented at all times."

Then there was New York state Sen. Brad Hoylman, who tweeted that "it's a shame that the federal government has left New York with no other choice but to accept charity from bigots." In a statement on his official Senate page, Hoylman called Graham a "notorious anti-LGBTQ pastor" and said he put Graham "on notice" that Samaritan's Purse must "treat all COVID-19 patients equally at the new medical tents."

While Johnson and Hoylman tickled a few itching ears with their decidedly virtue-signaling statements, quite a few others found their words rather, er, prejudiced:

"The vast majority of voters see this as a group of well intended people bringing hope and light into a dark place right now. Put the partisan politics aside for a season and be thankful for the people willing to serve NYC. This is not the time to score political points sir."

"Now we can all really see where the actual hate comes from."

"As a gay New Yorker, I'd like to sit down with them over a cup of coffee and thank them for putting themselves in harm's way. That's how change of heart happens. They are risking their lives. We should be grateful."

"It's a shame that idiots like you would rather people die than have someone you don't agree with help them."

"Christians build a free hospital to help New Yorkers survive this crisis and you complain? Despicable."

"It's pretty clear who's there to help New Yorkers and who's there to mouth off on twitter and do absolutely nothing."

How did Graham respond?
"We do not make distinctions about an individual's religion, race, sexual orientation, or economic status. We certainly do not discriminate, and we have a decades-long track record that confirms just that," Graham told NBC News in a statement. "This is a time for all of us to unite and work together, regardless of our political views. Let's support one another during this crisis, and we pray that God will bless the efforts of all those battling this vicious virus."