[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 85 (Monday, June 24, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S5951]
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 11, 2000 
in New York, NY. Four Hasidic Jewish men were stabbed on the Coney 
Island boardwalk after a confrontation with a group of Latino men. 
Police said that anti-Semitic slurs were used during the attack, and 
were investigating the incident as a possible bias 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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