[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 26, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S9867]
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 1998 
in Bridgeport, PA. Greg Thorpe, 30, allegedly made anti-gay threats and 
assaulted a lesbian outside a bar. On September 23, 1998, he was 
charged with aggravated and simple assault, recklessly endangering 
another person, terrorist threats, harassment, stalking, disorderly 
conduct, conspiracy and ethnic intimidation.
  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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