[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 48 (Thursday, April 25, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S3427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

 Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I 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.
  A terrible crime occurred September 14, 1998 in Hayward, CA. A woman 
in a gay and lesbian bar was verbally assaulted and threatened by two 
men. Donald R. Santos, 40, and Lance E. Alves, 45, were charged with 
making terrorist threats and interference of civil rights because of 
sexual orientation, 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. By passing this legislation and changing current law, we can 
change hearts and minds as well.

                          ____________________