[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Pages 23375-23376]
[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.
  While leaving a bar on March 1, 2004, in Morgantown, WV, three men 
were attacked, two of whom are gay. Christopher Barnhart and his 
friends heard someone use homophobic language toward them. Barnhart was 
subsequently attacked and knocked to the ground, suffering two facial 
fractures. When Barnhart's friend tried to come to his assistance, he 
was attacked and suffered bruised ribs and a cut ear as a result.
  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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