Hate crime bill passes Pa. House committee

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WPVI) -- A bill that would expand Pennsylvania's hate crime protections is one step closer to becoming law.

The House Judiciary Committee passed House Bill 177 by a vote of 19-4 Monday morning.

The measure would ban hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

It was originally introduced last year, but it picked up steam following the vicious beating of two gay men in center city last month.

The bill now moves to the full House for a vote.

Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast that does not include LGBT members in its hate crime laws.