PA. LAWMAKERS DRAFT MEASURE FOR HIGHER PENALTIES FOR VANDALIZING SACRED SPACES

A Pennsylvania State senator from Reading is behind a proposed measure that would provide higher penalties for people who violate churches and other sacred spaces. Senator Judy Schwank has called her legislation “Save Our Sacred Spaces.” It will classify the damages to a church, synagogue or mosque not only as institutional vandalism, but also as a hate crime. Cemeteries and memorials would also be deemed sacred places under the proposal.