Philadelphia City Council Poised to Pass Hate Crime Ordinance

A new city hate crime ordinance introduced today by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Councilman Jim Kenney looks sure to pass as the proposal was co-sponsored by the entire city council.

The measure comes just weeks after the brutal gay-bashing in Center City on September 11th that left two men hospitalized, one requiring his jaw to be wired shut for 8 weeks.

From Buzzfeed:

“We value diversity and diversity matters, and for those who don’t get it, there’s a price to be paid,” Reynolds Brown told BuzzFeed News when reached by phone. “Right at the door, all of the members get it and understand the value in putting forth this important measure to close this loophole in the law.”

She said she can “predict quite confidently” the ordinance will pass and be signed into law by Mayor Michael Nutter. “I can’t say that about too many pieces of legislation,” she added.

The Philadelphia proposal would ensure that hate crimes based on a victims actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability will carry consequences in addition to existing criminal charges such as up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000, according to the councilwoman.