[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 22 (Wednesday, March 2, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1928]
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 
climes 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 Monday, February 28, 2005, two men were severely beaten outside of 
their hotel room in New Mexico. According to police reports, they were 
targeted because of their sexual orientation. The two men, who were in 
an openly gay relationship, were followed back to the hotel by a group 
of people who were yelling antigay comments at the victims. The 
assailants than assaulted the two men and fled the scene. The incident 
is being investigated as a hate crime.
  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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