[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 24, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S10977]
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 April 20, 
2000 in Stafford, VA. Thomas Rivers, 18, allegedly attacked a 15-year-
old gay teenager by bashing him in the back of the head with a metal 
pole, almost killing him. The previous year, after Rivers learned that 
the younger boy was attracted to him, Rivers lashed out by shouldering 
him in hallways at school, shouting slurs and spitting on him. The 
attack came eight months later when Rivers saw the boy walking in an 
area park.
  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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