[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 74 (Friday, May 25, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5686]
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 November 7, 
1999 in Lawrence, KS. Two heterosexual men, one a student at Kansas 
University, were walking down the street when some men directed anti-
gay epithets at them. After responding to the remarks, the two were 
attacked by five men. One of the victims was knocked backwards on a 
concrete planter and held down while two attackers struck his face with 
their fists. The other ran to call the police. This was the third such 
incident in as many months. One of the victims said that the police 
initially told him they could not arrest the perpetrators because, ``it 
was their word against ours.''
  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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