Tina Smith: “today I speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. On May 1, 2003, Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law…”

“today 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. On July 24, 2001, in Greeley, CO, Salvador Rivera, 24, was charged with beating his gay cousin. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail on work release and was also placed on 2 years of unsupervised probation and ordered to pay court costs and restitution. 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.”