[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 168 (Wednesday, November 19, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S15181]
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 October 25, 2003, a Miami, FL, teen was charged with a hate crime 
after police say he harassed a 19-year-old woman driving with a gay 
pride sticker on her car.
  The teen leaned out of his car window at a traffic light to make an 
obscene gesture toward the young woman and said to her, ``We hate 
faggots . . . we kill people like you.'' The truck pulled up to her 
again at the next light where he continued to make lewd comments and 
gestures. The teen cut in front of the woman and hit his brakes, 
causing the woman's car to swerve, according to police. Police say the 
driver then swerved his truck three times towards the woman's car, 
running her off the road.
  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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