[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 13 (Thursday, February 5, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S647]
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.
  One such crime occurred in Greenwich Village, NY. There, a 36-year-
old man was assaulted by a group of 15 men on his way to a gay bar. 
Another man on the street yelled an anti-gay slur, and when the victim 
turned to see who had yelled at him, he was punched in the back of the 
head.
  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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