[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 64 (Thursday, May 10, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4816]
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 September 22, 
2000 in Roanoke, VA. Ronald Edward Gay, 53, allegedly walked into the 
Backstreet Cafe and opened fire on patrons, killing one person and 
wounding six others. Gay told police that he shot seven people in a gay 
bar because he was angry about jokes people made about his last name. 
Gay has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Danny Lee 
Overstreet. Police have said that Gay admits shooting people ``to get 
rid of, in his term, `faggots,' saying that Gay was upset over the fact 
that people made fun of his last name.''
  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 by passing this legislation we can change hearts 
and minds as well.

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