[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 133 (Thursday, September 25, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S11983]
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 November 16, 2002, a 31-year-old Pakistani man was physically 
assaulted at a convenience store where he was working. Three men, 
believing the store clerk was from Afghanistan and associated with the 
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America, shouted racial slurs 
at the man and then proceeded to kick, punch and throw things at him. 
The trio were later charged with a hate crime violation.
  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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