[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 22956]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for 
hate crimes legislation. Each Congress, Senator Kennedy and I introduce 
hate crimes legislation that would add new categories to current hate 
crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable 
in our society. Likewise, each Congress I have come to the floor to 
highlight a separate hate crime that has occurred in our country.
  On April 27, 1998, Stephen Goedereis, was killed by two teens near 
his home in Miami, FL. Goedereis was walking down the street, when he 
complimented one of the two teens. The teens then beat Goedereis, who 
subsequently died 2 days later in the local hospital. The teens were 
convicted of second degree murder and robbery, both of which were 
classified as hate crimes. I believe that the 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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