[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 68 (Friday, May 14, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S5499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I wish 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.
  Edgar Garzon, 35, died three weeks after he was attacked when leaving 
a gay bar in Jackson Heights, NY, on August 14, 2001. Garzon suffered a 
skull fracture in the attack and died at Elmhurst General Hospital. 
Garzon had just left Friends Tavern when two men in a red car exchanged 
words with him and followed him toward his home. At the intersection, 
the suspects got out of their car, pounded Garzon with either a 
baseball bat or lead pipe, then fled with his wallet.
  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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