[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 158 (Tuesday, November 4, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S13900]
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.
  Mr. Robert Maricle, a bisexual man from Salinas, CA, disappeared from 
his community on December 14, 2002. Almost 4 months later, his body was 
discovered in a shallow grave. Mr. Maricle was reported missing after 
going out for drinks with three strangers. Police allege that those 
three strangers are responsible for Mr. Maricle's death, and committed 
the crime in part because of his sexual orientation.
  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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