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

“I speak today 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. I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred in Newark, CA. On October 3, 2002, several men became enraged after learning that a young woman was actually a 17-year-old boy at their party. The men punched Eddie ``Gwen'' Araujo, dragged him into the garage and strangled him with a piece of rope. Eddie's body was then wrapped in a sheet and buried in a shallow grave near Placerville, about 150 miles from his family's home in Newark. 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.”