Tuesday, May 23, 2006

From The Congressional Record:

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005 -- (Senate - May 23, 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.

On June 9, 2005, Dwan Prince, a gay man, was attacked by his neighbor Steven Pomie near his Brooklyn, NY, home. During the attack, Pomie shouted antigay slurs as he punched and kicked Prince in the head until he was unconscious. According to police, Pomie knew that Prince was a gay man prior to 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.