[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 4 (Friday, January 10, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for 
hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I 
introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act--a bill that would add new 
categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence 
of any kind is unacceptable in our society.
  I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred January 26, 
2002, in Houston, TX. Hugo Cesar ``Bibi'' Barajas was found dead from 
multiple gunshot wounds to the neck, arm, and chest near a club that 
caters to the gay and transgender community. Barajas was dressed as a 
woman at the time of the murder. Police are investigating the murder as 
a possible hate crime and have investigated six similar murders of 
transgender women in the last 3 years alone.
  I believe that government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to 
defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law 
Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I 
believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we 
can change hearts and minds as well.

                          ____________________