[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 29, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S10135]
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 Enhancement 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 Boston, 
MA. On July 4, 2003, a group of teens attacked a lesbian woman, Lisa 
Craig, at a Fourth of July fireworks display in Piers Park. Craig, her 
partner, and her two daughters were picnicking and watching fireworks. 
The trouble began at the park's playground when a group of teens began 
shouting homophobic epithets. When Craig asked the groups to leave, she 
was struck in the head by one of the teens. The attackers continued to 
punch and kick Craig as she was bleeding on the ground. Given the 
severity of her head injuries, Craig underwent 2 operations and 
received over 200 stitches.
  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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