[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 145 (Thursday, October 16, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12726]
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 
Indianapolis, IN. In October 1999, Jamie C. Carson and two accomplices 
robbed and tortured two men who were targeted because they were gay. 
Police said that one victim was forced to drink a mixture of bleach and 
urine. Both men were tied up and burned with a steam iron.
  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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