[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 10, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10454]
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 April 27, 
2001 at Kent State University, OH. Mikell Nagy, an openly gay 
university student, was eating breakfast with friends when he heard 
someone make an anti-gay comment toward another friend across the room. 
He went over to see if the friend was okay. The next thing he knew, a 
man walked up behind him, called him a ``faggot'' and punched him in 
the face. According to witnesses, blood was pouring from cuts above his 
left eye. His two front teeth were chipped in the incident and his 
right cheek stayed swollen for over a week. The incident resulted in an 
on-campus rally against hate crimes.
  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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