But his office did not deny the exchange with Metcalfe. And in a statement, Sims said Metcalfe can "belittle me for being gay, treat Democrats, especially those from Philadelphia, with contempt and disrespect, and advocate for right-wing legislation that is antithetical to the values of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. But I would not allow him to question my patriotism or the patriotism of my Democratic colleagues, who include active and retired members of the military."