[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 24178]
[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 Enhancement 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 in Lincoln, 
RI. On August 28, 2000, Jesse Ousley, a gay teenager, was severely 
beaten by a police officer using antigay invectives. Ousley received a 
bloody nose, two black eyes, and numerous contusions, including marks 
on his neck, allegedly from the police officer's attempt to strangle 
him.
  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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