[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 6, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5884]
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 terrible crime that occurred May 23, 2000 
in Salt Lake City, Utah. A 19-year-old woman working for the Southern 
Utah Wilderness Alliance was beaten and robbed because her attackers 
presumed she was a lesbian. The woman was taking opinion polls when a 
male attacker in his 20s--one of two white men with shaved heads--
allegedly came running up behind her, punched her in the face, knocking 
her down. The woman said the suspect then kicked her in the face while 
he yelled ``dyke'' and ``queer.''
  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.

                          ____________________