[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 30, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S3360]
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.
  A high school senior in Perry, IA, was harassed for 4 years by 
students who believed him to be gay. The high school student was 
repeatedly pushed, shoved, and verbally attacked with anti-gay 
epithets. Students had also urinated on the high school senior in the 
shower after wrestling practice.
  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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