[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 14 (Friday, February 6, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S689]
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 Houston, TX, on January 26, 2002. Hugo 
Barajas was found dead from multiple gun shot wounds to the neck, arm 
and chest in a club that caters to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and 
transgender community. Barajas, a man, was dressed as a women at the 
time of the murder.
   I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to 
defend them against the harm 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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