[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 11576]
[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 September 
28, 2001. A 47-year-old Mexican immigrant was beaten in his home by two 
men who believed him to be of Arab descent. After following the man 
home, the pair chased him to his front door, broke in after him, and 
physically assaulted him in front of his wife and child. According to 
the pair, the assault was revenge for the September 11, 2001 bombing 
tragedy.
  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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