[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 15, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S4936]
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 29, 1999 
in Indianapolis, Indiana. A trio of men, while allegedly committing a 
series of robberies, broke into the apartment of two men. Convinced 
that the men were gay, the perpetrators forced the men to strip, tied 
them together, and tortured them with a hot iron. During the attack 
that lasted more than 30 minutes, both victims were burned repeatedly, 
kicked, beaten with a small baseball bat and other household items, and 
taunted with homophobic remarks. One of the victims was forced to drink 
a mixture of bleach and urine. The robbers also tried to burn the 
building down on their way out but later inexplicably returned, put out 
the fire, and gave some water to the man they made drink the bleach 
mixture. The robbers walked away from the scene after having stolen $6.
  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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