[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 91 (Thursday, June 19, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S8224]
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 Hamilton, 
NJ. On September 16, 2001, an Arab-American man and his son were 
verbally accosted and attacked by a man shouting ethnic slurs and 
wielding a knife. The victim was able to use his cane to protect 
himself and his son until he was able to wrestle the knife away from 
the attacker. The perpetrator was eventually arrested by the police.
  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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