[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 21, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S105]
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 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 May 2002, two young male assailants targeted a Washington, D.C. 
resident after he left a local gay bar. The victim suffered severe face 
wounds, including a broken nose. Later that night, and in the week that 
followed, several more gay men were attacked by an unidentified group 
of young men.
  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. By 
passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts 
and minds as well.

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