[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 45 (Monday, April 22, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S3013]
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 July 29, 2001 
in Nashville, Tennessee. Willie Houston, 38, was fatally shot in the 
chest. The alleged gunman, Lewis Maynard Davidson III, 25, taunted the 
victim with anti-gay epithets, and shot him outside a restaurant. While 
the victim was reportedly not gay, Tennessee hate crime laws cover 
violence based on real or perceived sexual orientation.
  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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