Schweiker signs law protecting gays, lesbians Wednesday, December 04, 2002 BY CHARLES THOMPSON Of The Patriot-News With no fanfare or public ceremony, Gov. Mark Schweiker yesterday signed a bill that gay and lesbian leaders say marks a giant step forward for gay rights in Pennsylvania. The bill, passed last week by the state House, adds "actual or perceived ... sexual orientation, and gender or gender identity" to triggers in the state's Ethnic Intimidation Law that raise the grade of, and enhance punishments for, crimes found to be motivated by hatred against victims because of race, color, religion or national origin....
