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Local Law Enforcement Act of 2003

Date: June 3, 2004
Location: Washington DC
Issues: Criminal Justice

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
June 3, 2004

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. On May 1, 2003, Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society.

David Blair, also known as Steve Perry, was found dead by the Ketchikan, AK, police department on July 26, 2001. Terry Simpson, Jr., 19, and Joshua Anderson, 20, were arrested in response to a tip in which the informant said he overhead the two men bragging that they were planning to "beat up and rob Blair because he is a fag."

I believe that 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. By passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

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