[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 42 (Monday, March 17, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S3801]
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 April 15, 
2001. Two men taunted and attacked four lesbian students outside a cafe 
near Louisiana State University. The attackers approached the women and 
asked them if they were ``boys or girls.'' The victims said that one of 
the attackers threw a drink at them and another attacker punched the 
victims repeatedly.
  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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