[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 122 (Wednesday, September 19, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S9501]
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 January 4, 
1996 in Houston, TX. Fred Mangione, a 46-year-old gay man, was 
allegedly stabbed to death outside a gay bar. Two men, Daniel 
Christopher Bean, 19, and his half-brother Ronald Henry Cauthier, 21, 
members of a new-nazi organization, were charged with a first-degree 
felony. Gauthier, 23, was sentenced to 10 years' probation for his part 
in the murder.
  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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