[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 79 (Friday, June 8, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S6005]
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 on August 8, 
1990 in San Francisco, California. Chris Minor and Jonathan Ebert were 
attacked by four Skinheads who called them ``faggots.'' Arrested and 
charged with assault were Skinheads Brandon Rosenberg, 19, and Thomas 
E. Miles, 21. Two juvenile females were also taken into custody. 
Rosenberg was arrested earlier in connection with an August 14 gay 
bashing in which he allegedly slapped David Robinson and threatened to 
beat him up.
  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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