This important revision adds the word “businesses” to the existing law, which previously only referenced groups or individual victims of hate crimes motivated by biases around race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and more.

A “Regrettably Necessary” Change

While a relatively small tweak in language, Philadelphia law enforcement leaders lauded the move as a substantial and timely update. Deputy Police Commissioner Fran Healey declared the change “regrettably necessary” in light of an unsettling rise in vandalism and crimes targeting businesses due to the owners’ perceived identities.

“Hate against a business because of the actual [or] perceived sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, age, ethnicity, race, color, religion or national origin of the business owners is no less offensive,” Healey stated.

Disturbing Incidents Target Minority-Owned Businesses

According to audacy.com, the push to add businesses to Philadelphia’s hate crime protections follows a spate of concerning incidents aimed at minority-owned establishments across the city. Leaders from the Jewish, Islamic and Palestinian communities provided sobering testimony of the vandalism, intimidation tactics and discriminatory attacks their communities’ businesses have endured.

Jason Holtzman of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia cited an uptick in anti-Semitic property crimes since last fall, including a Jewish school defaced with “free Palestine” graffiti meant to “instill fear.” Tim Welbeck from the Council on American-Islamic Relations pointed to repeated attacks on businesses like the Lombard Cafe for voicing support for Palestinians.

“These incidents extend beyond mere acts of vandalism,” Holtzman stated. “They constitute deliberate acts of intimidation aimed at our community.”

Enhancing Prosecution for Business Hate Crimes

By encompassing businesses in its hate crime laws, Philadelphia aims to enable enhanced prosecution and deterrence against these targeted attacks motivated by discrimination.

Welbeck summed up the importance of the reform: “Attacks in this way convey a sense of hostility toward people just because of who they are.”

With testimony from impacted communities underscoring the real need, the business-inclusive hate crime bill could be approved by the full City Council as soon as next week. The move signals Philadelphia’s commitment to fostering a safer, more inclusive environment for all its residents and businesses to thrive. I sincerely hope you find this “Philadelphia City Council Takes Bold Step to Combat Hate Crimes Against Businesses? Find Out Details” article.

Skylar Lacey

Skylar Lacey, a Travel and Tourism Management graduate from Temple University, offers 5 years of experience in travel writing and airport logistics at PhiladelphiaAirport.net. Her expertise helps travelers make the most of their journeys through Philadelphia International Airport. Connect with her on Instagram for more travel tips and insights.

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