[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 22, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S7163]
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 Wichita, KS, on June 29, 2001, a 58-year old openly gay 
hairdresser, Marcell Eads, was beaten and died from burns and smoke 
inhalation after the alleged bashers set his home on fire. Zachary 
Steward, 18, and Brandon Boone, 17, were arrested in connection with 
the crime. Steward claimed that Eads had made sexual advances toward 
him, prompting Boone to start beating Eads with a broomstick and later 
with the end of a table and a rock. The perpetrators accused each other 
of setting the fire that killed Eads, and both took credit for trying 
to put out the fire.
  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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