Peace rally held in Doylestown

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- More than 100 people gathered in the name of peace on the front lawn of the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown.

They came with a stern message - a message that attacking anyone because of their sexuality or gender identity is socially and morally reprehensible.

Caryn Kunkle is a close friend of the gay couple brutally attacked in Philadelphia last month.

She read a statement from one of the victims, part of which directly addressed the alleged attackers.

However the people attending the rally say the primary reason they showed up is to push for the passage of Senate Bill 42 and House Bill 177 which would expand Pennsylvania's Hate Crime Law to include the LGBT Community.

Bucks County State Senator Chuck McIlinney says he still has a hard time believing that the 2002 Pennsylvania Hate Crime Law, which covered the LGBT community, was struck down on a technicality.

"I think the tragedy that happened in Philadelphia just a short while ago shows we need to re-authorize Act 143 of 2002 back here in Pennsylvania," said State Senator McIlinney.

McIlhinney says he is hopeful that lawmakers in Harrisburg will be able to get a bill to expand the Hate Crime Law on the governor's desk by the end of the year.

Meantime, while three people have been arrested in connection with the attack in Center City.

Caryn Kunkle says the victims remain on liquid diets due to the severity of the beatings they took to their faces and jaws.

Despite that though, they are said to be in good spirits.

"They've just been overwhelmed by the response of the community. They're just so enthusiastic to see legislators stepping in, it's huge," said Kunkle.