[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 3, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S11023]
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 
Washington, DC. On August 21, 2003, a transgendered woman was murdered. 
Her nude body was found about 2 a.m. in a wooded area near Malcolm X 
Avenue and 2nd Street, SE.
  The woman, identified by friends as Emonie Kiera Spaulding, 25, was 
the second transgendered woman to die of gunshot wounds and the third 
to be shot in the District during a 5-day period. The D.C. police 
department have arrested a suspect.
  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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