[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 75 (Tuesday, June 13, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S5771]
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 June 10, 2006, gay performance artist Kevin Aviance was severely 
beaten in New York City. According to reports, Aviance was walking home 
from a local bar when four teens began shouting obscenities and 
attacked him from behind. During the attack Aviance was kicked and 
punched while the attackers yelled sexually derogatory slurs at him.
  An officer with New York's Hate Crimes Taskforce reported that four 
men were arrested and charged with a hate crime in connection to the 
attack.
  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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