[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 100 (Monday, July 19, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S8419]
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.
  On October 14, 2003, a gay man named Ricardo Lorenzana, 47, was 
struck in the head with a baseball bat and needed 14 stitches to close 
the wound. He said the attack makes him constantly worry about his 
safety. Soon after Lorenzana was attacked, a 19-year-old gay man was 
assaulted, warding off blows from the bat but getting cut by a knife. 
Authorities said the assailants used antigay slurs during that attack.
  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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