[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 23, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S2992]
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.
  In Stafford, VA, Thomas Rivers heard that another boy thought he was 
cute. Rivers responded by shouldering the classmate in hallways at 
school, shouting slurs and spitting on him. The next year, 18-year-old 
Rivers attacked the boy by bashing him in the back of the head with a 
metal pole, nearly killing him.
  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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