[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 20, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S6515]
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 in March of this 
year. 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 November 7, 
1998 in Easton, MA. An Easton teenager threw a large rock at a 17-year-
old boy he thought was gay, kicked him in the head and yelled, swore, 
and called the victim a ``fag.'' The victim suffered a broken nose and 
a concussion. A week before the assault, the perpetrator told friends 
he hated gay people and thought they should be beaten 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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