[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 16, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5002]
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 describe a heinous crime that occurred December 12, 
1999 in Washington County, PA. Three men who went to an adult bookstore 
to rob a gay man now face charges of kidnapping, robbery, aggravated 
assault, murder, tampering with evidence, and one count of conspiring 
to commit those crimes in the disappearance of Ira Swearingen, 49, a 
medical consultant from Stout, NV. The gruesome details of the 
abduction, beating, and murder of Swearingen were revealed in court. 
After being abducted, Swearingen was stuffed inside the trunk of his 
rental car, during which time, one of the perpetrators said ``Did ya 
hear it? I broke his jaw.'' Another perpetrator heard gurgling of blood 
and heard the victim screaming. They yelled ``Shut up faggot! Shutup, 
pickle.'' Later, the victim was driven to an isolated area, forced to 
strip and marched into the woods as he pleaded for his life at which 
point, one perpetrator testified, he shot the victim between the eyes 
at close range.
  I believe the 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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