[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 62 (Wednesday, April 18, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S4672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MATTHEW SHEPARD ACT

  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 20, 2007, in Polk County, FL, Ryan Skipper, a gay man, 
picked up William Brown walking along the side of the road. Some time 
later Brown stabbed Skipper to death, then bragged about the killing. 
According to police, witnesses have said that Brown and another man 
planned the murder in advance and that their motivation was based on 
Skipper'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 Matthew 
Shepard 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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