Rep. Brian Sims isn’t taking the Sept. 11 violent anti-gay attack on a same-sex couple lightly. The first openly gay elected state lawmaker in Pennsylvania is hitting back hard.
This week, Democratic State Representative Brian Sims will be holding a public rally against hate crimes in response to the September 11 horrific homophobic hate attack that landed a same-sex couple in the hospital. The attack, in the Rittenhouse Square section of downtown Philadelphia, was allegedly perpetrated by a gang of about 12 friends in their 20’s who had attended Catholic school together.
Sims on Thursday will be hosting a public rally against hate crimes, “to support the victims and to call for the passage of hate crime legislation,” according to a press release.
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Rep. Sims on Thursday “will also hold a public hearing of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee” to discuss LGBT hate crimes.
Unfortunately, the Sept. 11 attack is not technically a hate crime because Pennsylvania statutes do not include sexual orientation in their hate crimes laws, something Sims is working to overcome.
Last Friday, Sims’ press secretary Mason Lane told The New Civil Rights Movement by phone that Rep. Sims will be working to bring the story of the two men who were beaten Sept. 11 to Harrisburg, the state capital. While the victims still wish to remain anonymous, he’s hoping they may consent to testify in a private video to shield their identities.
The police are still investigating, but no charges have been brought.
Members of the gang of 12, through their attorneys, have claimed they acted in self defense against the two men, whom they allegedly called “dirty faggots” before they were beaten so badly one had to have his jaw wired shut.
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Images via Facebook
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Related on The New Civil Rights Movement:
Catholic High School Coach Fired For His Role In Beating Of Philadelphia Gay Couple
Philly Anti-Gay Hate Attack: Federal Officials At Dept. Of Justice Watching
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