[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 78 (Thursday, June 7, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5959]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam 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 August 19, 
2000, in San Francisco, California. Two men were arrested on charges of 
stalking, assaulting and robbing men in gay bars in what police say was 
a ``brazen, bicoastal crime spree that included four robberies in Maine 
and vicious attacks on gays,'' including slashing one victim's throat, 
in California. The perpetrators were arrested after a bouncer at a gay 
bar recognized their distinctive Boston accents after reading about 
them in a warning flier distributed by police.
  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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