[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 76 (Tuesday, June 5, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5826]
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 August 11, 
2000 in New York City. A 17-year-old, who announced to his parents he 
was gay earlier this year, was recovering after his parents severely 
beat him. Police say that Hendrick Paterson, 49, and Sharon Paterson, 
36, allegedly repeatedly smashed their son with a lead pipe at a 
relative's home as they yelled anti-gay slurs. ``God will punish you 
for your lifestyle!'' ``You can't be gay,'' the couple is quoted as 
saying. The son was rushed to the hospital where he was treated and 
released for multiple welts to his body.
  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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