[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 9, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4586]
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.
  I would like to detail a heinous crime that occurred October 31, 1999 
off the coast of California. A 37-year-old gay man was the target of a 
brutal anti-gay attack on board a cruise ship. The victim was assaulted 
by two other passengers in a hallway of the ship, who called him a 
``f---ing faggot'' several times. He sustained injuries including a 
broken nose, three skull fractures around his eyes, chipped teeth and 
multiple contusions. Because the attack happened at sea, beyond the 
reach of state and local laws, police have been unable to pursue the 
case as a bias-related incident, referring it instead to the federal 
government.
  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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