[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 41 (Monday, March 29, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3292]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  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 March 1, 2004 Christopher James Barnhart and John Matthew Aravanis 
left a Morgantown, WV, bar around 3:30 a.m. when they heard, ``Get out 
of the way, faggots.'' A fist subsequently landed on Barnhart's head 
and he was knocked to the ground. Barnhart, who sustained two facial 
fractures in the scuffle, said the men also struck Aravanis in the head 
as he came to Barnhart's aid. The men left the scene, but returned and 
kicked and punched them and continued to call them ``faggots.'' City 
police have obtained arrest warrants for the three men charged with 
beating Barnhart, Aravanis, and their friend who was with them during 
the incident.
  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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