[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 193 (Monday, December 17, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S15768]
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.
  Early in the morning of December 8, 2007, 25-year-old Nathaniel 
Salerno was attacked by five to seven men on a Washington, DC, Metro 
subway train. Salerno, a gay man, had been at several clubs prior to 
returning home. Shortly after boarding the train, the men approached 
him and allegedly demanded that Salerno give them his wallet and 
BlackBerry. When he stood up, the attackers snatched the items and 
began to punch and kick him, screaming antigay slurs. Salerno received 
stitches for the lacerations he received to his face during the attack. 
Washington's Metro police are investigating the assault as a bias-
related violent crime.
  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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