[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 117 (Friday, August 1, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S10900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I 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 
Manchester, NH. On October 15 and 16, 2001, a 43-year-old woman bumped 
and elbowed her Muslim neighbor while the two women passed in the 
stairwell of their apartment building. The victim fell, bruising her 
elbow and hip. On the previous day, the woman approached her Muslim 
neighbor, pushed and harassed her with insults and epithets, calling 
her ``Middle East Trash'' and ``terrorist.''
  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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