[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S4689]
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 May 16, 2006, a 20-year-old Washington, DC, lesbian died after 
being shot in the head in what appears to have been a hate crime.
  Crystal Smith died shortly before midnight when two unidentified men 
opened fire on her while standing on a street corner in Southeast 
Washington, DC. According to reports, the police department's Gay and 
Lesbian Liaison Unit is assisting in the investigation. The fact that 
Smith was shot in the head makes it appear more likely that she was 
targeted.
  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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