[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 21 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             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 highlights a separate hate crime that has occurred in our 
country.
  On February 25, 2005, a 21-year-old University of North Carolina 
student was attacked by as many as six individuals. The perpetrators 
yelled anti-gay comments at the victim before returning and assaulting 
the individual by punching and kicking him. The case has been 
classified as a hate crime by the Chapel Hill Police and is currently 
under investigation.
  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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