[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 139 (Tuesday, October 16, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10766]
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 June 21, 2001 
in Cortez, CO. The body of an openly gay, half-Navajo teen, Fred 
Martinez Jr., 16, was found south of Cortez 5 days after he left home 
to go to a carnival. Police have arrested another teen, Shaun Murphy, 
in the murder and are investigating whether the homicide was a hate 
crime based on sexual orientation or race. The perpetrator allegedly 
bragged that he ``beat up a fag.'' Martinez often curled his hair, 
plucked his eyebrows, wore make-up and toted a purse to school. His 
mother told the press that she firmly believes her son's slaying was a 
hate crime based on his gender identity or because he was transgender.
  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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