[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 10, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S785]
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 Passaic, NJ, in August, 1999. Kareem 
Washington, a gay man who sometimes dressed in women's clothing, was 
stabbed multiple times and left to die in an industrial area in 
Passaic. Police were unsure of the motive for the murder, however, the 
victim's wallet was found on his body. The victim was wearing a skirt, 
high-heeled shoes and stockings at the time he was killed.
  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.

                          ____________________