[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 25 (Monday, March 7, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S2144]
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.
  The assault of two gay men in San Francisco, CA last Wednesday was 
apparently motivated by the sexual orientation of the victims. Two gay 
men were approached by a group of men late in the evening. The group of 
men, which was comprised of men in their early 20s yelling anti-gay 
slurs, began assaulting the two gay victims. To escape the assault, the 
two victims ran inside a nearby bar, but were followed by the group of 
assailants. Both of the men suffered injuries to their face as a result 
of the beating.
  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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