[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 47 (Monday, March 24, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S4324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   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 September 13, 
2001 in Clarkston, GA. Four men cornered and assaulted a 22-year-old 
Sudanese man who was walking home late at night. The group of attackers 
stepped out in front of him and accused him of being involved in the 
terrorist attacks in New York. The men threatened, ``You killed our 
people in New York. We want to kill you tonight.'' They shoved him 
against a wall and tried to stab him, slicing a hole in his shirt. 
Finally, when another Sudanese man rushed over to his friend's rescue, 
the four attackers fled.
  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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