[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6847-S6848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for 
hate crimes legislation. On May 1, 2003, 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 in Baltimore, 
MD. In October 1998, a group of 10 people attacked Leonard ``Lynn'' 
Vine, a 32-year-old native of East Baltimore, in front of his family's 
home because of his perceived sexual orientation. Vine was shot six 
times, yet survived the attack. The police investigated the attack as a 
hate crime, and 20-year-old Paul Bishop was charged with attempted 
murder.
  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

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current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

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