[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 15943]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for 
hate crimes legislation. On May 1, 2003, Senator Kennedy and I 
introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new 
categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence 
of any kind is unacceptable in our society.
  I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred on October 8, 
2001. In Hyannis, MA, a 31-year-old man attacked two convenience store 
clerks from Pakistan. The suspect walked into the store, approached the 
two clerks and asked them if they were from Pakistan. The two men 
responded affirmatively, which further enraged the suspect. The 
perpetrator began cursing and accusing the pair for ``almost killing'' 
his family and attacking the United States. One of the clerks attempted 
to calm the man down and led him outside. Once outside, the man punched 
the clerk, sending him to the ground. The attacker proceeded to kick 
him until the second clerk rushed outside to halt the attack. The man 
was later arrested by police.
  I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to 
defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law 
Enforcement Enhancement 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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