Alleged gay bashing case goes to court Nov. 3
By: Cynthia Williamson
NEW HOPE – Despite civil and human rights advocacy at all levels of government, a 2000 study conducted by the Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force showed reported levels of lifetime criminal victimization against lesbian and gay people has remained unchanged since its 1992 report.
Rita Addessa, executive director of the organization, addressed the Borough Council Tuesday, urging elected officials to support an expansion of civil rights statutes to include sexual orientation.
Ms. Addessa also urged the New Hope-Solebury school board to take a similar initiative by adopting policies supporting "multi-racial, multi-cultural gender education."
She said the purpose of such a policy would be "to ensure equity and justice for all members of the school community and society as a whole and to give those members the skills and knowledge they need to understand and overcome individual biases."
Resident Elaine McNeely agreed, saying she felt it was time for the gay and lesbian community to "come to life."
"Violence against gay and lesbians has happened here and continues to do so," she said, urging the council and residents to support proposed amendments to the civil rights statues.
Ms. McNeely said she is forming a group to specifically discuss local gay and lesbian issues.
"If you really care, don’t just say it, prove it," she said.
Ms. Addessa’s visit to New Hope was prompted in part by an attack in August outside the Wawa in what police characterized as a gay bashing incident.
The victim, a 29-year-old Levittown, Pa., man, reported the attack to the Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force hotline and Ms. Addessa. She supported initiatives taken by authorities but said officials needed to be made more aware about criminal victimization of lesbian and gays.
Ms. Addessa touched only lightly on the August incident when she addressed the council this week.
Witnesses have stepped forward to refute the victim’s claim, saying he was the real aggressor.
The victim’s reported attackers, Larry Croman, 36, and Douglas Trinkley, 21, both of Allentown, Pa., face charges of one count each of simple assault, disorderly conduct and reckless endangering another person. They could face up to five years in prison and a maximum $12,500 in fines, if found guilty.
The case was scheduled for trial Oct. 21 in Pennsylvania District Court in Buckingham but was postponed to Nov. 3.