LGBT-Centric Hate Crime Bill Passes House Judiciary Committee


This morning House Bill 177, a bill that would protect LGBT and mentally disabled people under Pennsylvania’s current hate-crime laws—passed the House Judiciary Committee 19 to 4. Democratic State Representative Brendan Boyle (pictured) introduced the bill in 2013, and it picked up steam when two gay men were attacked in Center City on September 11th. 

Equality Pennsylvania broke the news on its Twitter feed:

And then Boyle backed it up with a video of his testimony to the committee, calling for them to move the bill forward:

Equality PA says the bill could move to the full House for a vote as early as today, and they’re calling on supporters to contact their legislators to encourage them to support it. Details on how you can help here.