[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 29, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S223-S224]
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 last 
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 5, 1997 
in Washington, D.C. A gay man was attacked by a person yelling anti-gay 
epithets. The assailant, Bobbie Eugene Ross, 30, was charged with 
simple assault, making threats of bodily harm, and possession of a 
prohibited weapon.
  I believe that government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to 
defend them

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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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