Hate crimes bill passes Philly council muster
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City Council has approved a bill strengthening Philadelphia’s hate crimes law.
A state law does not cover those in the LGBT community because of a technicality, so Councilman Jim Kenney introduced a change specifically for Philadelphia.
The Sept. 11 attack on two gay men on a city street will not be covered under the bill, but similar future actions could, Kenney said.
“It adds sexual orientation and disability to our fair practice ordinance. Unless and until Pennsylvania protects all by adding sexual orientation to our hate crimes statutes, then Philadelphia has a responsibility to protect all its citizens and we will continue to do our best to do it every day.”
The bill calls for an additional $2,000 fine and up to 60 additional days incarceration for offenders. It now goes to Mayor Michael Nutter for a signature.
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