Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2005

Floor Speech

LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2005 -- (Senate - April 11, 2007)

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 April 7, 2007, in New York City, NY, Akino George pleaded guilty for his part in the beating of a gay man. George and three other men attacked Kevin Aviance, a popular entertainer, after he left a gay bar. The four men threw bags of garbage and a can of paint at Aviance before knocking him to the ground, punching and kicking him. Aviance suffered several injuries including a broken jaw. George testified in his plea that Aviance was targeted for being gay.

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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