[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 86 (Thursday, June 12, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S7826]
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 Champaign, 
IL. On December 16, 2001, a Muslim Tunisian-American university student 
was beaten by a mob of several men. Participants in the attack 
restrained the victim's brother and his friends to prevent them from 
coming to his aid. The student was beaten by more than six of the men, 
one of whom broke his nose with a blunt object.
  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.

                          ____________________