[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 165 (Monday, December 19, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S14027]
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.
  Thomas Stockwell is a 21-year-old gay man. On February 25, 2005, he 
was walking near his home on the Chapel Hill Campus of the University 
of North Carolina. For no other reason than being gay, Stockwell was 
attacked and beaten by a group of six men. Reports account that the 
group of men made sexually derogatory comments while they repeatedly 
punched Stockwell in the face eventually breaking his nose.
  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. By passing this 
legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as 
well.

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