[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 50 (Tuesday, May 2, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S3890]
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.
  In April 2006 the beatings of two gay men in separate attacks took 
place in northeast Fort Lauderdale, FL. The first attack involved a gay 
man who was riding his bicycle. When he passed a man on the sidewalk, 
the man yelled a gay slur and then beat him. Minutes after the first 
attack a group of men forced a gay man into their car, took him to a 
local park, then beat and robbed him. According to reports, both 
attacks appear to have been motivated by the victim's sexual 
orientation.
  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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