[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 13, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S731]
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 August 13, 
1994 in Sioux City, IA. Two gay men were stabbed and beaten by two 
attackers because of the victims' sexual orientation. The assailants, 
Charles Samuel Thomas, 18, and Dennis Evans Smith, 23, were charged 
with multiple felonies, including two hate crime charges, 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.

                          ____________________