Hi. Just wanted to post my comments on this subject because for the past
year I have been working with the local DA's office and writing state reps
regarding getting our state's Hate Crime Bill updated. In PA, the Hate Crime
Law
only covers ethnicity and religion...no inclusion for sexuality. As far as I am
aware, any crimes such as gay bashing are cgarged as and tried for "assualt"
in this state.

I initially contacted the local DA's office because of my thoughts and
opinions as a survivor and going through the aftermath of rape that this is, in
every definition, a hate crime. The local DA's seem to agree with me but are
not
able to charge a rapist with hate crime, wich would nearly double any sentence
given in court, because of the state of PA's Hate Crime Law. Each state has
it's own...but it is definitely worth writing to Senator's and Congressman in
your state regarding this matter...I know it's a slow process but one little
step and voice at a time always helps.

Thanks,

PixieChick0671