[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 137 (Wednesday, October 1, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12272]
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 New Haven, 
CT. On May 9, 2003, Jessica Mercado, a transgender Latina, was brutally 
murdered. She was stabbed multiple times and then her body was burned. 
Her murder is believed to be a hate crime and her murder a result of 
the homophobia of her attackers.
  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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