[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 57 (Tuesday, May 1, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4095]
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, Mr. President, I would like to detail a heinous crime that 
occurred July 29, 2000 in Mahwah, New Jersey. A man who allegedly 
attacked two men after calling them gay was arrested and charged with 
aggravated assault, bias harassment, and bias assault. Witnesses told 
police that the alleged perpetrator, William Courain, 26, was at an 
apartment complex party when he began making remarks to several of the 
guests about their sexual preferences. He left the party and confronted 
two men in the parking lot, making obscene comments about their sexual 
orientation, before attacking them. Witnesses say he began punching and 
kicking the two victims, one of whom suffered bleeding from the mouth 
and eyes and was treated at a local hospital. (The Record, August 1, 
2000)
  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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