[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 23 (Wednesday, March 6, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1595-S1596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT 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 
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 January 30, 
1993 in Wilmington, NC. A gay man was dragged from a bar and beaten. 
The assailants, Colin C. Hunt, 20, Patric G. Gardone, 23, and Walter G. 
Watkins, 26, were charged with four counts of assault 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

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 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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