[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 30, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S10166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    THE 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 on 
many occasions to highlight a separate violent, hate-motivated crime 
that has occurred in our country.
  On Saturday, September 6, 2008, in Portland, ME, a 31-year-old 
resident was walking home at 12:30 a.m. when he was stopped by two men 
and assaulted. According to the police statement, one of the assailants 
used homophobic slurs toward the victim, questioning his sexual 
orientation before attacking him. The police are searching for two 
suspects in connection with the weekend assault that they have 
classified as a hate crime. The victim was hit once in the head and 
recalls little else, the police said. A passerby reportedly found the 
victim unconscious on the sidewalk and called police. The victim was 
taken by ambulance to Maine Medical Center where he was admitted for 
treatment of a head injury.
  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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