[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 58 (Wednesday, April 11, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S4372]
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 April 7, 2007, in New York City, NY, Akino George pleaded guilty 
for his part in the beating of a gay man. George and three other men 
attacked Kevin Aviance, a popular entertainer, after he left a gay bar. 
The four men threw bags of garbage and a can of paint at Aviance before 
knocking him to the ground, punching and kicking him. Aviance suffered 
several injuries including a broken jaw. George testified in his plea 
that Aviance was targeted for being gay.
  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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