[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8042]
[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 March 10, 2006, in Holland, MI, Jason Burns, a student at Hope 
College, was attacked leaving the campus library. Burns, a well-known 
gay rights advocate, frequently held lectures on homophobia after his 
freshman roommate moved out because of Burns' sexuality. While leaving 
the library a group of students attacked Burns, striking him multiple 
times and yelling homophobic epithets.
  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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