Repent America challenges (hate crimes) law

[kweerwolf]

Members of the anti-gay Repent America are challenging the state’s hate-crimes law, arguing the manner in which protections were added in 2002 for sexual and gender minorities, violated the state constitution.

The case, filed by seven Repent America members who were arrested in October 2004 and charged under The Ethnic Intimidation Act — the state hate-crimes law — while protesting OutFest, a gay street party, was heard Sept. 13 in Commonwealth Court in Harrisburg.

While all charges were eventually dropped against Repent America members — who used bullhorns, banners and offensive signs to spread anti-gay sentiment at OutFest — they maintain that prosecutors will continue to abuse the hate-crimes law unless it is deemed unconstitutional.

There is no indication when a ruling could be made but attorneys for the state said decisions typically are rendered in 60 to 90 days.

http://www.epgn.com/news/repent.htm

[BR_Parkway]

1. Bullhorns and banners outside their church? Nah, they'd spin it into

more everyone is persecuting us, send more money now...