[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 152 (Wednesday, November 16, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S12942]
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 September 3, 2003 in Bridgeport, CT, George Hamilton hosted an 
afternoon picnic at his home. During the picnic, Hamilton and another 
guest discovered that one of the other men at the event was gay. They 
attacked and beat the gay man, causing injuries to his face and ribs. 
According to sources, throughout the attack the men shouted anti-gay 
slurs.
  I believe that our Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, 
in all circumstances, from threats to them at home. The Local Law 
Enforcement Enhancement Act is a major step forward in achieving that 
goal. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current 
law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

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