[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 4, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4824]
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.
  Two men harassed a white lesbian in Colorado as she left a 7-11 
store; one of them yelled an obscenity and called her a ``faggot.'' The 
victim got into her own pickup truck and drove away, but the offenders 
followed her and eventually drove her off the road. When she got out of 
her car, the two men assaulted her sexually and beat her unconscious. A 
detective who later interviewed the victim about the incident was 
verbally abusive, calling her a ``liar'' when she said she could not 
provide a detailed description of her attackers.
  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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