[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 167 (Wednesday, December 5, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S12460]
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 November 11, 
2001 in Milwaukee, WI. A lesbian woman, Juana Vega, was brutally 
assaulted and shot five times at point-blank range. Pablo Parrilla, the 
brother of Vega's then-girlfriend, has been arrested in connection with 
Vega's murder. Mr. Parilla objected to his sister's relationship with 
Vega, and reportedly threatened to kill Vega for ``turning his sister 
gay.''
  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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