[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 92 (Wednesday, July 10, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S6568]
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 July 7, 2002 
in St. Petersburg, FL. Sonny Gonzales and his friends were walking to 
their limousine after a gay pride party when an angry man approached 
them in a parking garage. ``The first thing out of his mouth was, `` 
`faggots,' '' said Gonzales. The man taunted the group, screamed 
obscenities, and then punched Gonzales and his friends. Gonzales 
suffered a head laceration. His partner, Stephen Hair, 25, suffered a 
skull fracture, a cracked sinus, and a broken tooth trying to defend 
him. Authorities arrested Devin Scott Angus, 20, in the attack. He was 
charged with aggravated battery with great bodily harm and battery 
evidencing prejudice.
  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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