Local Law Enforcement Act of 2003

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
June 14, 2004
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003
Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to 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.
On July 23, 2003, Gregory Johnson, a 17-year-old gay man, and his female friend Brandie Coleman were shot in the front of the head at point-blank range. The gunman was angry because his sexuality was threatened after an intimate encounter with the cross-dressing Johnson. The bodies were found in the back seat of a burned-out automobile.
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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. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.