[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 8 (Monday, January 30, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S323]
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.
  Jason Gage is a 29 year old gay man. On March 12, 2005, he was beaten 
and stabbed with a piece of glass at his Waterloo, IA, apartment. 
According to reports, the attacker later told his girlfriend that he 
assaulted Gage after he made sexual advances toward him.
  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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