Ramsey supports charges in assault on gay couple

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey believes that at least some criminal charges are justified in the altercation that left two gay men injured.

Ramsey told The Philadelphia Inquirer that detectives are presenting their findings to prosecutors Monday.

The chief believes the state’s hate-crimes statute “needs to change” to include crimes fueled by anti-gay sentiments.

Police have been interviewing some of the young men and women involved in the late-night street altercation earlier this month. Others have declined to cooperate.

The victims say the group hurled gay slurs and some threw punches that left one of them with serious facial injuries.

Defense lawyer Louis Busico represents one member of the group being investigated.

He told The Associated Press the street encounter “got physical,” but not because of the couple’s sexual orientation.