[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 18 (Thursday, February 12, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S1275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I 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 Santa Rosa, CA, on September 20, 1999. 
Four youths allegedly fired shots from a pellet gun toward a woman 
whose car had gay pride, diversity, and rainbow stickers on it. The 
youths also allegedly yelled derogatory comments regarding the woman's 
sexual orientation.
  The first duty of Government 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. By passing this 
legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as 
well.

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