[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 25 (Tuesday, March 2, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S1996]
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.
  On July 3, 1999, in Philadelphia, PA, a 59-year-old gay man was found 
beaten to death in his apartment. The bodies of two other gay men from 
the Philadelphia area were found in the Schuylkill River the previous 
month.
  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.

                          ____________________