[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 162 (Monday, November 10, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S14334]
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.
  I would like to describe one such crime that occurred in Greensburg, 
PA. Ian Bishop, 16, allegedly hated his 18-year old brother, Adam, 
because he thought he was gay. After beating his brother in the head at 
least 18 times with a claw hammer and wooden club, Ian dumped Adam's 
body in the bathtub, then went to a nearby shopping mall where he 
described the attack and laughed about his brother's death.
  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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