Philadelphia: Despite Rain Over 300 Rally Against Hate Crimes

Over 300 people ignored rain to rally against #LGBT hate crimes - Thank you! A summary: http://t.co/FfXzDDb3pN pic.twitter.com/aXMzs9ap9E
— Rep. Brian Sims (@RepSims) September 25, 2014

Openly gay Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims shared this tweet earlier today in reference to the Love Park rally held today in support of adding sexual orientation to the state's current hate crimes bill.

At the rally Sims said, "There are some in Harrisburg who object to restoring sexual orientation and gender identity protections to the hate-crime law. But they haven't been calling for repeal of the law's remaining protections, for victims targeted because of their race, color, religion or national origin -- they know they would take a political hit for that. Unfortunately, they think there's no political penalty or constituent outrage to face for leaving out women, LGBT people, or people targeted because of their ancestry or mental or physical disability. Pennsylvanians who don't like this injustice need to let their state representative and senator know now."

Watch Sims' impassioned speech this past Tuesday in the state capitol where he expressed his frustration about the LGBT community's lack of rights outside of marriage.

This state doesn't offer a single statewide LGBT civil right to people like me other than marriage, and that's ridiculous," Sims said, gesturing emphatically.

"Don't let people tell you that we only have six or seven days left in session," Sims added. "That's B.S.!"