[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 5, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S7067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      MATTHEW SHEPARD ACT OF 2007

  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 July 7, 2002 in Tampa, FL, Devin Scott Angus attacked Sonny 
Gonzales and Stephen Hair as the two men were leaving a gay pride event 
at the Florida Aquarium. Angus allegedly yelled antigay slurs at the 
men, dropped his pants, and screamed additional obscenities. He then 
attacked Gonzales and Hair, repeatedly punching and kicking them. 
Gonzales suffered a gash in his head, while Hair suffered a skull 
fracture, a cracked sinus, and a broken front tooth. According to 
reports, Angus' sole motivation was the victims' 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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