[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 30 (Monday, March 14, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S2641]
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.
  A 45-year-old transgender woman was found beaten to death by San 
Francisco authorities last August. The woman, Toni Green, was born a 
male but lived as a woman. Police investigating the case believe this 
may have been the motivation behind the attack.
  I believe that the Governments 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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