[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 23, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5531]
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 May 17, 2000 
in Holbrook, Massachusetts. A grand jury indicted a 17-year-old high 
school student on seven charges for attacking a fellow student he 
believed to be gay. For five months prior to the attack, the 
perpetrator allegedly harassed the victim. In the attack, which 
occurred in the school cafeteria, the perpetrator hit the victim five 
or six times in the head before knocking him to the floor. The attack 
left the victim with a punctured eardrum and internal bleeding.
  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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