[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 8, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for 
hate crimes legislation. Each Congress, Senator Kennedy and I introduce 
hate crimes legislation that would add new categories to current hate 
crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable 
in our society. Likewise, each Congress I have come to the floor to 
highlight a separate hate crime that has occurred in our country.
  On September 24, 2004, a young man was attacked outside of a club in 
Davis, CA. The attack on the victim was apparently due to a case of 
mistaken identity. The victim in the case resembled a gay man known by 
the assailant, and the attack was motivated by the attacker's belief 
that the victim was gay. During the attack, the victim suffered a 
broken nose and was knocked unconscious by his assailant. The attacker 
repeatedly yelled slurs regarding the victim's sexual orientation 
during the assault.
  I believe that the 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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