[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 5 (Monday, January 26, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S244]
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 a terrible crime that occurred in Leawood, 
KS. Gary Raynal, an openly gay man, was found dead under an apartment 
deck after being tortured and severely beaten. Raynal had been sexually 
tortured with a metal rod, his ears had been burned and his throat 
showed signs of strangulation.
  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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