[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 153 (Thursday, November 17, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13155-S13156]
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,

[[Page S13156]]

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 October 22, 1998, in Madison, WI, Johnny L. Ellis attacked a man 
in what police say was a hate motivated crime. The victim, a man 
dressed in woman's clothing, was hit over the head with a full 40-ounce 
bottle of malt liquor, causing the bottle to break. Mr. Ellis then 
stabbed the victim in the stomach with the broken bottle, causing a 
wound that required 55 stitches. Throughout the ordeal Mr. Ellis 
referred to the victim as a ``he-she.''
  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.

                          ____________________