[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 10, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2481]
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 November 
1997 in Asheville, NC. A gay man was assaulted with a deadly weapon. 
The assailant, Jeremi Dwayne Milling, 16, was sentenced to five years 
in prison for conspiracy to commit armed robbery, assault with a deadly 
weapon inflicting serious injury, and attempted armed robbery. Mr. 
Milling said that he targeted the victim because he was gay.
  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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