[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 23, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S22]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ENHANCEMENT 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 Enhancement 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 21, 
1995 in West Hollywood, CA. A male transvestite was beaten by several 
men yelling anti-gay epithets. The assailants, Agaron Guylbkyan, 21, 
Harutun Pagaryan, 18, and Vahagn Arutyunyan, 19, were charged with 
civil rights violations 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.

                          ____________________