[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 146 (Monday, November 7, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S12443]
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.
  On July 1999, in Palm Springs, CA, Steven Cagle and a companion were 
attacked by Randy Reyes and Juan Rios in a Carrow's Restaurant. It is 
believed that the beating was motivated by the victims' sexual 
orientation. Cagle stated that it was inhumane and, `` For no other 
reason than I am a gay man.'' Prosecutors are calling this a hate crime 
and are asking for the maximum sentence.
  I believe that 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.

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