Tuesday, May 02, 2006

From The Congressional Record:

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005 -- (Senate - May 02, 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 April 2006 the beatings of two gay men in separate attacks took place in northeast Fort Lauderdale, FL. The first attack involved a gay man who was riding his bicycle. When he passed a man on the sidewalk, the man yelled a gay slur and then beat him. Minutes after the first attack a group of men forced a gay man into their car, took him to a local park, then beat and robbed him. According to reports, both attacks appear to have been motivated by the victim's sexual orientation.

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.