Organizers Expect Hundreds for Gay Rights Rally in Bucks County

Organizers say they expect hundreds to attend a rally Wednesday being planned 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.

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

The following supporters are expected to attend the rally:

• Caryn Kunkle, close friend of the victims who will read a statement from the victims at the rally
• The Rainbow Room
• Bucks County Commissioner Diane Ellis Marseglia
• Equality PA
• Doylestown Borough Mayor Ron Strouse
• Doylestown Borough Council Member Don Berk
• New Hope Borough Council President Claire E. Shaw
• New Hope Borough Council Members, Cliff Montgomery and Bill Scandone
• New Hope Borough Mayor Larry Keller
• Bucks County Human Relations Council
• Bucks County Lesbian Social Club
• CB Cares Educational Foundation
• FACT, Fighting AIDS Continuously Together
• Bucks County Women’s Advocacy Coalition

“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,” an announcement from organizers said.

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