Tuesday, April 25, 2006

From The Congressional Record:

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005 -- (Senate - April 25, 2006)

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.

In March 2006, Gregory Pisarcik was sentenced to life in prison in Santa Ana, CA for the murder of Narciso Leggs, a gay man. During the attack, Pisarcik repeatedly hit Leggs over the head with a champagne bottle. When police later found his body one ear had been cut off and anti-gay slurs were written all over his body. According to sources, police feel that sexual orientation was a motivation for the attack.

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.