[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S14024]
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 to our society.
  Gregory Beauchamp, a 21-year old gay male, was the last homicide 
victim of 2002 in Cincinnati, OH. On December 31, Mr. Beauchamp was 
headed to a nightclub to ring in the New Year with friends. At about 9 
p.m. a blue Cadillac pulled up alongside them, and the four or five 
African American men inside started yelling anti-gay epithets, 
according to survivors of the attack. Shots were fired from the 
vehicle, killing Mr. Beauchamp. The murder was reported as a hate 
crime.
  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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