[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 170 (Friday, November 21, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S15396]
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.
  In San Antonio, TX, on October 26, 2003, Allen Everton, age 74, was 
beaten to within inches of his life. His assailant believed that 
Everton was gay, and while hitting the elderly man with a baseball bat, 
called him a ``freaking faggot.'' Mr. Everton died 11 days later of 
natural causes, but I can only imagine how scarred he must have felt 
after being the victim of a senseless attack.
  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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