[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 25, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S3914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about hate 
crimes legislation I introduced with Senator Kennedy last month. The 
Local Law Enforcement Act of 2001 would add new categories to current 
hate crimes legislation sending a signal that violence of any kind is 
unacceptable in our society.
  Today, I would like to detail a heinous crime that occurred on 
November 6, 1998 in Seattle, Washington. A gay man was severely beaten 
with rocks and broken bottles in his neighborhood by a gang of youths 
shouting ``faggot.'' The victim sustained a broken nose and swollen 
jaw. When he reported the incident to police two days later, the 
officer refused to take the report.
  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 of 2001 is now a symbol that can become 
substance. I believe that by passing this legislation, we can change 
hearts and minds as well.

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