[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 166 (Monday, November 17, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S14961]
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 one such crime today. In protest of a 
wedding between two men in Seattle, WA, several young men and one adult 
who call themselves ``Deliverance Unlimited'' refused to leave a local 
Christian Church. In the October 25, 2003 incident, the co-pastor of 
the church asked the protestors to leave, and the group then began 
verbally assaulting the church staff. One of the protestors, 
Christopher Dudley, entered the sanctuary and began yelling that the 
church needed to be cleansed of sin. He then vandalized the church by 
spraying and wiping oil on the walls and furniture. The co-pastor told 
police that he was afraid for his own life and the lives of his staff.
  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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