Philadelphia City Council reviewed a bill to close a loophole in hate crime laws at a meeting Thursday -- two weeks after the brutal beating of a gay couple on a Center City street.
Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Councilman Jim Kenney introduced the bill in response to the Sept. 11 assault that left one victim with a broken jaw and both with multiple lacerations.
Police initially indicated the attack was a hate crime, but Pennsylvania law -- as it currently stands -- does not cover crimes committed in relation to sexual orientation.
"Philadelphia is known all over the world as a city that celebrates and values diversity and we will not allow a few thugs to tarnish that reputation," Brown said. "It is shameful that this legislation is necessary in 2014..."
Soon after the assault occurred, more than 4,000 people signed a petition calling for lawmakers to change the legislation.
