[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 82 (Monday, June 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6812]
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 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 17-year-old transgender woman and her 18-year-old friend were shot 
in the head while sitting in a SUV, which was set on fire. The SUV was 
found in an isolated parking lot after the two had been missing for a 
day. Their bodies were burned beyond recognition. The perpetrator 
allegedly killed the two victims when he discovered that one of them 
was a crossdresser.
  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.

                          ____________________