[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 79 (Friday, June 14, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Madam 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 June 9, 2002 
in Riverside, CA. An attack outside a popular gay bar left one gay man 
dead and another wounded. Jeffery Owens, 40, died of multiple stab 
wounds while coming to the aid of Michael Bussee, 48, who was being 
beaten and stabbed in the bar parking lot. Before stabbing Owens, one 
attacker was heard to yell ``You want some trouble . . . fag, here it 
is!'' Police are currently looking for the assailants, four men with 
shaved heads, and are investigating the incident as a hate crime.
  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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