PHOTOS: 300 Show Up to Attend Brian Sims’ Rally for Gay-Bashing Victims

By Josh Middleton· 9/25/2014, 4:27 p.m.

LOVE Park was a veritable sea of supporters this afternoon, when more than 300 (!) local lawmakers, LGBT leaders and community members showed up in the rain to attend a rally for the two gay men attacked on September 11th in Center City.

The event was hosted by State Representative Brian Sims, who used the opportunity to draw attention HB 177 and SB 42, two pieces of legislation that would add sexual orientation to Pennsylvania’s current hate crime laws.

Photographer HughE Dillon was there to capture some snapshots, which you can seen below. Check some of the captions for remarks made by those who took part.

HughE Dillon

"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. "

HughE Dillon

"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."

HughE Dillon

Caryn Kunkle, friend and spokesperson for the two victims: "I am thankful that many legislators are working to restore Pennsylvania’s inclusive hate crime law. This is important to me not only because of my gay friends who were brutally attacked, but also because I have struggled my entire life to protect my autistic younger brother. It is never OK to hurt someone because of who they are."

HughE Dillon

Kunkle speaks.

HughE Dillon

Crowd

HughE Dillon

Brian Sims stands next to Caryn Kunkle.

HughE Dillon

Councilman Jim Kenney: "True equality will never be achieved through government action alone. Transphobia and homophobia have always been deeply embedded in American culture. As we were brutally reminded two weeks ago, our children are growing up in a country where LGBTQ people are still seen as an 'other' and somehow different from themselves – victories will remain hollow until this changes."

HughE Dillon

First Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross Jr.

HughE Dillon

Rudy Flesher, Beth Wilson Rudd, and Matt Kurilla

HughE Dillon

Representative from GALAEI, who's Executive Director Elicia Gonzales told the crowd that, ""The outpouring of both outrage and support surrounding this heinous act has been nothing short of heart-warming. The fact that this issue moved hate crimes legislation into the foreground must not be taken lightly. We must also bring to light the other hate crimes that have gone unpunished, and sometimes, unnoticed. Let us use this momentum to continue to seek justice for Nizah Morris, Kyra Cordova, and Diamond Williams."