th

Council Member 11 Ward

Judd W. Krasher
375 Manning Boulevard
Albany, New York 12206

C ITY OF A LBANY
C OMMON C OUNCIL

TELEPHONE: 518-364-5006
FAX: 518 434-5081
COUNCILMAN K RASHER @ GMAIL . COM

MEMBER
COUNCIL OPERATIONS AND
ETHICS
LAW, BUILDINGS AND CODE
ENFORCEMENT
GENERAL SERVICES,
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

August 23, 2016

Rev. Franklin Graham
P.O. Box 3000
Boone, NC 28607
VIA EMAIL
Dear Rev. Graham:
I welcome you in advance to the City of Albany.
This is the second welcome letter I have had to write this year to a bigoted, Islamophobic, and
homophobic man. The first was to Donald J. Trump when he decided to come to Albany to
preach his own hate.
This one is for you, Reverend. I am looking forward to joining with members of the Muslim and
LGBTQ communities to make full use of our own First Amendment free speech rights to counter
your delusional rhetoric. Before you utter a single word in Capitol Park, allow me to explain
what Albany is about.
In Albany, we believe that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We welcome people from all
over the world with open arms. We embrace the cherished American freedom to freely express
ones religious beliefs. That includes Muslims. We are a city that embraces equal treatment of
the LGBT community. In fact, we are consistently ranked as one of the nations most LGBTfriendly cities.
In the wake of the massacre at Orlando, the show of unity in Albany highlighted what Albany is
about. I, along with members of the LGBT and Muslim communities and their allies, stood in
front of Masjid al-Salam, a prominent Albany mosque. We stood together to stand with love and
condemn hate. It is an experience I will never forget.
Cultural and religious diversity are cornerstones in Albany. They are sources of hope and pride.
Many of the people you attack are the people that help build Albany structurally and spiritually.
Your words will change nothing. The City of Albany will continue to lead the charge in ensuring
equal treatment and protection for all.

Lastly, Reverend, I know many Christians of many denominations. Not a single one shares your
twisted, convoluted interpretations. Your use of a religion as a vehicle to advance xenophobia
and homophobia is appalling.
I submit to you that a man so eager to travel the United States to spread these messages should
look inward. There are several scientific studies that indicate those who protest the most against
the LGBT community are themselves LGBT.
With that said, we have many excellent gay bars in Albany. Waterworks, Rocks, and Oh Bar are
all fine establishments. Perhaps we will see you there. Enjoy your stay in New Yorks Capital
City.
Sincerely,

JUDD W. KRASHER
Council Member
11th Ward | City of Albany
cc: The Internet