Philadelphia City Council Passes Hate Crime Measure By Vote 16-1

Alleged attackers in Philadelphia gay-bashing

While Pennsylvania's hate crime bill may be stalled in committee, the city of Philadelphia has passed it's own version of the legislation:

City Council unanimously approved a measure on Thursday that would make it a crime to harm someone because of sexual orientation, gender identity, or disabilities.

The proposal was triggered by the Sept. 11 assault on a gay couple in Center City.

In that case, police arrested three people but could not charge them with a hate crime because neither state law nor the city code makes it a crime to harm someone because of sexual orientation.

The measure approved Thursday, expected to be signed into law by Mayor Nutter, calls for up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 for crimes committed against a person because of sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

(via Philly.com)