[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 167 (Tuesday, November 18, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S15054]
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.
  On January 23, 2003, Luis Collazo was attacked and beaten by a man 
who asked him for a smoke as he walked to his car from a bar and a 
pizza establishment in Palm Springs, CA. The attack came after the 
suspect made an antigay slur to Collazo, said Palm Springs police 
Detective Mark Melanson. Fortunately, Collazzo was quickly released 
from the hospital after being treated for facial bruises.
  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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