[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 26833]
[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.
  On July 7 of last year, three gay friends were violently beaten by a 
21-year-old man in Tampa, FL. The man later pled guilty to charges of 
aggravated battery and battery with evidence of prejudice. The victims 
were approached in a parking garage shortly after leaving a party at 
the Florida Aquarium, one event in a 6-day gay pride celebration. 
Sadly, one of the victims had to visit the dentist more than twenty 
times to replace teeth lost in the beating.
  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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