[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 119 (Thursday, September 13, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9389-S9390]
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 August 26, 
2001, in Portland, OR. Lorenzo Okaruru, according to detectives, died 
after being savagely beaten about the head and face with a blunt 
instrument, most likely by a man who picked up someone he thought was a 
woman and was angered to find out Okarura was a man. Law enforcement 
officials have said they believe Okaruru was killed based on sexual 
orientation or gender identity. The Washington County Sheriff's Office 
last week classified

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Okaruru's August 26 beating as a hate crime, the first such killing in 
the county.
  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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