[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 135 (Monday, September 29, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12132]
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 Islip 
Terrance, NY. On September 23, 2003, two brothers from Colombia were 
attacked by white students at East Islip High School. The incident, in 
which anti-Hispanic epithets were spoken, occurred in a hallway of the 
school. The victims, a junior and a senior, were treated at Southside 
Hospital for undisclosed injuries.
  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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