Brian Sims Organizes Public Rally in Support of Gay-Bashing Victims

Yesterday we told you about Brian Sims’ intentions to take the victims of last week’s gay-bashing in Center City to Harrisburg to change Pennsylvania’s hate crime laws to include sexual orientation. Well a press release sent from his office today shows that he’s taking the steps to put his money where his mouth is.

“One of the things I’ve learned is that sometimes it takes a horribly negative experience to get people out of their seats, for them to be active and engaged,” he says. “It’s not necessarily because they’re opposed but because they aren’t aware of the need. So we are going to be sure to utilize this horrible event to make sure that they hear about it.”

To make that happen the Philadelphia State Representative has put together a public rally to “support the victims and call for the passage of hate crime legislation.” It will take place at 2 p.m. next Thursday, September 25th, in Love Park. He invites elected public officials, LGBT community leaders, and friends and supporters of the victims to attend.

Sims will also lead a public hearing on the issue of LGBT hate crimes at the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee on Thursday, October 2nd at the Kimmel Center.

More details on the latter event to come.