US: Pennsylvania hate crime bill advances to full House

PinkNews logo surrounded by illustrated images including a rainbow, unicorn, PN sign and pride flag.

A bill which would ban hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity, has passed a vote at the Pennsylvania House Judiciary committee and will now advance to the full House.

Representative Brendan Boyle is the chief sponsor of Hate Crimes Bill 177.

Last Thursday, hundreds of Philadelphia residents gathered in Love Park in the state’s capital urging lawmakers to vote on expanding the state’s hate crime laws.

Another proposed bill is before the Senate that would include gender, gender identity, and disabilities. Philadelphia City Council also has a measure going to a vote which would add gender identity and sexual orientation to their hate crimes law.