[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 15652-15653]
[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 October 14, 1995, in Atlanta, GA, Quincy Taylor, a high school 
student, was found dead behind a convenience store from gunshot wounds 
to the chest. Taylor frequented and sometimes worked at a popular gay 
bar known for featuring cross-dressing entertainment. According to 
police, the killer knew the victim and was motivated solely by his 
sexual orientation.
  I believe that the Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, 
to defend

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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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