Franklin Graham Slams PayPal After Company Pulls 400 Jobs From North Carolina Over Transgender Law

By Leah Marieann Klett
PayPal
This March 10, 2015, file photo, shows signage outside PayPal's headquarters. Photo Credit: AP Photo

The Rev. Franklin Graham has strongly condemned PayPal after the organization announced it is cancelling plans to bring more than 400 jobs and a $3.6 million investment into Charlotte, North Carolina with its new operation center, because of an objection to the state's recently passed transgender law.

The ordinance, signed by Gov. Pat McCrory, limits the use of bathrooms, locker rooms and showers to persons of the same biological sex, according to NBC.

"The legislation invalidates protections of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens and denies these members of our community equal rights under the law," PayPal CEO Dan Schulman argued in a statement on Tuesday. "The new law perpetuates discrimination and it violates the values and principles that are at the core of PayPal's mission and culture. As a result, PayPal will not move forward with our planned expansion into Charlotte."

Schulman added that the "decision was a clear and ambiguous one."

Graham, the president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and a North Carolina native, took to Facebook to slam PayPal's decision and condemn the organization's blatant hypocrisy.

"PayPal gets the hypocrite of the year award!" Graham wrote in a lengthy post shared on Wednesday. "Congressman Robert Pittenger made a great point yesterday: 'PayPal does business in 25 countries where homosexual behavior is illegal, including five countries where the penalty is death, yet they object to the North Carolina legislature overturning a misguided ordinance about letting men in to [sic] the women's bathroom? Perhaps PayPal would like to try and clarify this seemingly very hypocritical position.'"

Graham further pointed out PayPal's hypocrisy, as the organization announced in March that it would explore business opportunities in Cuba, where members of the LGBT community are tortured, jailed and executed.

"PayPal only agreed to come to Charlotte in the first place after holding out for millions in corporate incentives," Graham stated. "And under the current law that they are so strongly protesting, PayPal could have chosen their own corporate bathroom policies."

Despite PayPal's move, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest said the state stands by its decision and will not be bullied into changing the law.

"If our action in keeping men out of women's bathrooms and showers protected the life of just one child or one woman from being molested or assaulted, then it was worth it. North Carolina will never put a price tag on the value of our children," Forest said, according to NBC. "They are precious and priceless. If a corporation wanting to do business in North Carolina does not see the worth of our children in the same light, then I wish them well as they do business somewhere else."

In concluding his Facebook post, Graham praised Forest for defending the law.

"He couldn't be more right! We need more politicians across the country with this kind of backbone," Graham wrote. "Pray for the N.C. governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators that they stand strong against the attacks of this wicked agenda."

As of Wednesday afternoon, thousands of people had "liked" and "shared" Graham's post, with many commenting on how they are planning to boycott PayPal.

The Christian Science Monitor notes that Facebook, Apple, and Google all have complexes in North Carolina, but unlike PayPal, have not threatened to remove their businesses from the state.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories