[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 8, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4500]
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 August 8, 
2000 in Providence, Rhode Island. Two young men said they were severely 
beaten and kicked by two strangers. The two victims were walking down a 
street when a car slowed and passed them. Minutes later the car drove 
by again, and the occupants began shouting vulgarities, anti-gay slurs 
and said, ``We're going to kill you.'' The victims yelled back; the 
perpetrators allegedly got out of the car, shouted more anti-gay slurs 
and vulgarities, threw a beer can at them and then proceeded to beat 
and punch the victims in the head and body until one of them almost 
lost consciousness. The perpetrators eventually got in their car and 
fled, and witnesses called for help.
  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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