[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 114 (Tuesday, September 13, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S9981]
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 August 9, 2005, two men were walking near 18th Street in New York, 
NY, when they were attacked by two other men. The apparent motivation 
for the attack were the victims sexual orientation. According to 
police, the two men made numerous antigay comments as they passed 
before hitting one of the gay men in the face.
  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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