[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 28, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S313]
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 1999, a 37-year-old man was the target of a brutal anti-gay attack 
on a cruise ship off the California coast. The victim was assaulted in 
a hallway of the ship by two other passengers who called him a 
``faggot'' several times. He sustained injuries including a broken 
nose, three skull fractures around his eyes, chipped teeth and multiple 
contusions.
  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.

                          ____________________