Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2005

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 June 10, 2006, gay performance artist Kevin Aviance was severely beaten in New York City. According to reports, Aviance was walking home from a local bar when four teens began shouting obscenities and attacked him from behind. During the attack Aviance was kicked and punched while the attackers yelled sexually derogatory slurs at him.

An officer with New York's Hate Crimes Taskforce reported that four men were arrested and charged with a hate crime in connection 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.

http://thomas.loc.gov/