Jun. 04, 2019
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill) has issued the following co-sponsor memo calling for the censure of Rep. Brian Sims (D-Philadelphia):
“As you know, Representative Sims recorded himself, on two separate occasions, verbally attacking individuals who were peacefully protesting at Planned Parenthood of Southeast Pennsylvania.
“On the first occasion, Representative Sims recorded himself berating, harassing and violating the First Amendment rights of an individual, whom he labeled, an ‘old, white lady’ for peacefully protesting and praying in public.
“On the second occasion, Representative Sims again recorded himself berating and harassing others. He went a step further the second time, though, calling for the ‘doxing’ of three minor children and one adult female.
“By soliciting strangers on the internet for their personal identifying information (i.e. names and addresses), Sims placed these citizens in reasonable fear for their own safety, merely because they were exercising their constitutional right to peacefully protest.
“It should be noted that Representative Sims also used his elected position to intimidate the individuals with whom he was interacting, clearly stating on the videos that he was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
“As part of my censure resolution, I ask that Representative Sims be removed as a member of all standing committees and that he receives no appointments to any positions or committees that fall under the authority of the Speaker or House Leadership, for the remainder of this term.
“Representative Sims has yet to publicly apologize to the victims of his actions, and to the PA House of Representatives for the shame that he has brought upon this institution. Therefore, I am asking you to join with me in co-sponsoring this censure resolution.”
For information about any state-related or legislative topic, contact Knowles’ district office in Tamaqua at 570-668-1240, or in Hamburg at 610-562-3411. Information can also be found online at
RepKnowles.com or
Facebook.com/RepKnowles.
Representative Jerry Knowles
124th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Ty McCauslin
717.772.9979
RepKnowles.com /
Facebook.com/RepKnowles