[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 15, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6648-S6649]
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

[[Page S6649]]

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.
  Last year, a 19-year-old gay man was bludgeoned with a pipe while 
standing on a street corner in Queens, NY.
  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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