[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 164 (Friday, November 30, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S12242]
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 in May 1996 
in Philadelphia, PA. Stephen Leo Jr., 19, and Kevin Zawojski, 17, 
yelled anti-gay slurs and beat a man they believed to be gay. Mr. Leo 
was sentenced to 18 to 36 months in jail and Mr. Zawojski was sentenced 
to 29 to 58 months in jail in connection with the incident.
  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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