[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 8, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S5712]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    THE MATTHEW SHEPARD ACT OF 2007

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I wish 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 August 22, 2002, in San Francisco, CA, Jack Broughton and his 
female companion, Jean Earl, beat two women outside a gay poetry event. 
Police reported that Earl began kicking and punching people while 
shouting anti-gay epithets at the event's participants. After being 
kicked out, Broughton and Earl beat a 34-year-old woman outside. 
Broughton then punched the first victim's partner, who joined in the 
scuffle. The first victim suffered minor injuries, for which she was 
treated at a hospital.
  According to reports, the victim's were attacked solely because of 
their 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.




                          ____________________