[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 124 (Friday, September 21, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S9614]
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 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 30, 
1993 in Tyler, TX. Nicholas West, a 23-year-old gay man, was abducted 
from a park known as a meeting place for gays, robbed and shot to 
death. Donald Aldrich, 29, David Ray McMillan, 17, and Henry Dunn Jr., 
19, were charged with 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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