[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 77 (Thursday, May 22, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S6972]
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 Fresno, 
CA. On September 20, 1998, the apartment of transgender female Chanel 
Chandler was set ablaze. Inside the apartment the authorities 
discovered Chandler's body, stabbed repeatedly with a broken beer 
bottle. According to a police spokesperson, Chandler's gender identity 
and expression was a primary motivation for the attack. The fire, which 
did not reach the room where Chandler's body was found, was likely a 
failed attempt to hide Chandler's 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 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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