[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 43 (Wednesday, April 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2824-S2825]
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

[[Page S2825]]

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 July 21, 1991 
in Brattleboro, VT. A lesbian woman was struck by an attacker who was 
heard to say ``There's another . . . queer.'' The assailant, Lauralee 
Akley, 19, was charged with committing a hate-motivated 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 and changing 
current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

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