OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Local law Enforcement

Date: Aug. 28, 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Criminal Justice

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
Sept. 28, 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 August 16, 2000, in New Hope, PA, Douglas Trinkley, 21, and Larry Chroman, 36, were charged with assault, disorderly conduct and reckless endangerment of another person for allegedly attacking another man because of the man'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.

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