[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 92 (Friday, June 20, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S8297]
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 Farwest, 
WA. On September 13, 2001, a Sikh cab driver was stopped by a 21-year-
old man who had hailed his cab. Once inside the cab, the passenger 
verbally accosted the driver accusing him of being a terrorist and that 
he had no right to be in the United States. The passenger subsequently 
grabbed the driver around the neck and choked him. Before the driver 
was able to escape, the passenger punched the victim in the face, 
grabbed fistfuls of his beard and ripped off parts of his turban. The 
attacker was eventually arrested by a passing police officer.
  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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