[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S5644]
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 October 21, 
2001, in Anaheim, CA. A 27 year-old Indian physical therapist was 
mistaken for a Middle Easterner and assaulted while celebrating his 
birthday at a karaoke bar. The victim was leaving the bar at about 1 
a.m. with a group of his friends and family when several men picked a 
fight with him. Witnesses heard at least two people yell racial slurs 
about ``Middle Easterners.'' The man suffered a shattered jaw and was 
released from the hospital 2 days later after undergoing surgery to 
have his mouth wired shut.
  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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