[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 151 (Friday, October 24, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S13206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

  Mr. SMITH. Madam 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.
  Earlier this month, two men were slain in Stevens County, Washington. 
Russell Charles Markvardsen, 52, and Matthew Lee Raynor, 32, were shot 
to death at close range with a shotgun in their cabin in the Onion 
Creek area. The two men previously lived in a log home that was 
destroyed in a May 2002 fire that authorities investigated as a 
possible arson. At the time, the men told the Spokesman-Review 
newspaper in Spokane that they suspected arson because of possible 
prejudice against their homosexuality.
  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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