[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 19, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2070]
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 February 8, 
2002, in Missoula, MT. A lesbian couple and their 22-month-old son were 
victims of an arson attack. An intruder broke into their home, poured 
accelerant throughout, and set it on fire while the victims slept. The 
attack came 4 days after the couple received statewide publicity for 
suing their employer for same-sex domestic partner benefits.
  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 and changing 
current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

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