[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 14373]
[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 January 2, 1993, police found Chrissey Johnson naked, with her 
feet tied together. She had been stabbed approximately 15 times and 
thrown from the second floor of her apartment. The disturbing nature of 
the murder suggested to police that Johnson was targeted for being 
transgendered.
  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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