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A 36 year-old West Baltimore gay man was attacked by at least two men at North and Druid Hill Avenues. The victim, whose name as Paul and who requested that his last name not be used at this time, was walking to a store after finishing classes at Baltimore City Community College.

On April 29 the Senate, in a 68-31vote, reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act. The act, first passed in 1994, initially provided $1.6 billion for investigation and prosecution of violent crimes against women. Additionally the act imposed automatic and mandatory restitution on those convicted, and allowed civil redress in cases prosecutors chose to leave unprosecuted. The Act also established the Office on Violence Against Women within the Department of Justice.

Pennsylvanians elect first gay state lawmaker

Philadelphia, PA - Pennsylvania has elected its first openly gay state legislator. Democrat Brian Sims won his bid to represent the 182nd District in the state House, defeating longtime incumbent Rep. Babette Josephs. Sims will not face a Republican challenger in the fall. As of press-time, Sims had 3,681 votes to Josephs’ 3,463 — a difference of 218 votes. Josephs, a longtime LGBT ally, was first elected in 1985.