[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 111 (Thursday, September 8, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S9820]
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.
  On February 27, 2004, James Maestas and Joshua Stockham received 
extensive physical injuries by a group of men after a confrontation at 
a restaurant in Santa Fe, NM. The apparent motivation for the beating 
was that they were a gay couple. Maestas, who spent more than a week in 
intensive care, had to undergo extensive physical and speech therapy, 
according to the district attorney.
  I believe that the Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, 
to defend them against the harms that are born 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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