[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 54 (Monday, April 26, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4368]
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 Davis, CA, on October 26, 2003, a homosexual man in his mid-
twenties discovered that his automobile had been drenched with four 
flats worth of eggs. The damage to his vehicle was estimated at 
approximately $4,000 and a gang tag was scrawled on the vehicle. The 
victim said that he felt his vehicle was targeted because he hangs a 
gay pride flag outside his home.
  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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