[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 15 (Friday, February 15, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S897]
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 in September 
1997 in Waupaca, WI. A gay man was beaten because of his sexual 
orientation. The assailants, Jeffery S. Schucknecht, 26, and Robert G. 
Guyette, 23, were charged with felony battery and a hate crime 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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