Bill would change Pa. hate-crimes protections
Lawmaker wants "sexual orientation" removed from law
The Associated Press


HARRISBURG -- A state lawmaker has proposed a bill that would remove the section banning harassment based on sexual orientation from Pennsylvania's hate-crime laws.

State Rep. Thomas Yewcic, D-Cambria, said he filed the bill in response to the arrest of five evangelical Christian protesters at a gay pride festival in Philadelphia.

The five were charged with violating Pennsylvania's Ethnic Intimidation Act when they disrupted the event with a bullhorn preaching that homosexuality is a sin.