HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania's law against ethnic intimidation has been expanded to cover sexual orientation and physical disabilities.

Gov. Mark Schweiker signed a bill with the new language on Tuesday. He said it sends a "strong, clear message that Pennsylvania will not tolerate violence against anyone."

Already included in the state's definition of ethnic intimidation were color, religion and national origin. The bill adds ancestry, gender or gender identity, mental or physical disabilities and sexual orientation to the definition, and it changes race to include "actual or perceived race."

According to the definition, ethnic intimidation is committed if someone uses "malicious intention" in the act of crimes such as verbal harassment or property destruction.

Opponents have said that the bill is ill-defined and restricts free speech. Proponents said that it is similar to laws that have been passed elsewhere in the United States and that it is only invoked when a crime is committed.