Activists Plan Rally in Response to Attack on Gay Couple

Local gay rights activists are planning a rally Wednesday in response to an attack on a gay couple in Philadelphia that allegedly involved three Bucks County residents.

Bucks Equality Coalition will hold the Love Over Hate rally from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Bucks County Courthouse in Doylestown.

“In the wake of the horrific gay bashing in Philadelphia on September 11th, and the arrests of 3 suspects—all of whom are from Bucks County—we invite you to take part in a Love Over Hate Rally,” event organizers announced.

“We are gathering to send a message of solidarity, love and support to not only the victims of this heinous crime, but to our community —to potential victims, perpetrators and bystanders— that Bucks County stands up for LGBT rights, unity, non-violence and love,” the announcement said.

Organizers said the rally is aimed to also send a message to legislators that Pennsylvania needs an expansion of its hate crimes laws.

Several elected officials, community leaders and LGBT youth will be speaking.

Kathryn Knott, 24, Philip Williams, 24, and Kevin Harrigan, 26, have been charged in connection with the assault.

Knott is a former Lansdale Hospital employee who has since been fired.