[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 136 (Tuesday, September 30, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12183]
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 Houston, 
TX. On May 25, 2003, a Houston high school student was attacked by a 
teacher's aide in class because he is gay. The teacher's aide, also an 
assistant coach at the school, allegedly taunted the student with 
comments about his sexual orientation over the course of the school 
year. The incident was in full view of the class and was later 
corroborated by seven or eight other students.
  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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