[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S1583]
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 to our society.
  Last fall in Portland, ME, Joshua Nisbet pulled up in a car near a 
bar that caters to the gay community. Nisbet and a friend yelled an 
antigay slur at two men walking nearby and assaulted them.
  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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