[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 73 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5606]
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 July 25, 2000 
in Barron, Wisconsin, Raymond C. Welton, 33, was charged with a hate 
crime in the murder of Michael Hatch, a 22-year-old hearing-impaired, 
disabled man on October 20. Prosecutors contend that Hatch was robbed 
and beaten to death with a tire iron in part because his assailants 
thought he was gay. Three perpetrators allegedly lured Hatch from a bar 
because one of them had gone to school with him and thought he was gay. 
They allegedly shouted gay slurs during the beating.
  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.

                          ____________________