[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 55 (Tuesday, May 9, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S4207]
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 March 7, 2006, in New York, NY, Victor Lopez and David Andrade 
were sentenced separately to 8 years in prison for their involvement in 
a series of beatings that targeted gay men. Lopez and Andrade would 
pick up gay men, then beat and rob them. According to police, these 
attacks were motivated by the victims 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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