[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 36 (Thursday, March 6, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S3246]
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 March 2, 
2003, in New York City. Robert Spreng, 53, a resident of Manhattan's 
Upper East Side, was attacked at 4 a.m. as he walked home from a local 
bar. Spreng was followed by three men who approached him and screamed, 
``Faggot!'' Spreng raised his hands and said that he didn't want any 
trouble, to which the assailants responded, ``Faggot, you're going to 
have trouble tonight.'' Then the three men attacked Spreng, punching 
and kicking him. A witness called police, who were able to stop the 
beating.
  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.

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