Senate removes $1 million earmark for Philly LGBTQ center amid 'k*nk' parties backlash

The William Way center denied permitting "sexual behavior" at its meetings and fumed over "lies and distortions about our Center shared by political extremists."

By Ben Whedon

Published: March 6, 2024 6:32pm

The Senate on Wednesday removed a $1 million earmark in a major spending bill for an LGBTQ center in Philadelphia amid revelations that the center permits as BDSM group to use its grounds.

The funds were earmarked for the William Way Renovation and Expansion Project, which came at the request of Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle as well as Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman.

The Libs of TikTok socially media account initially highlighted the groups activities at the center, pointing to a "k*nk party" planned for the weekend. Both Fetterman and Casey withdrew their requests for the funds amid backlash.

The William Way center denied permitting "sexual behavior" at its meeting places and fumed over "lies and distortions about our Center shared by political extremists," according to The Hill.

In a statement on the earmark's removal, Fetterman vowed to fight to secure funding for the center in the next budget cycle, asserting that "I do not believe that we should penalize this center based on events that are entirely legal among consenting adults."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.