[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 112 (Monday, September 9, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S8369]
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 September 2, 
2002 in West Hollywood, CA. Two gay men, Treve Broudy, 33, and Edward 
Lett, 22, were brutally beaten while walking home after dinner. As the 
victims were walking, a car pulled up beside them. The two assailants, 
one of whom wielded a bat, jumped out of the car and attacked the 
victims. Mr. Lett received minor injuries, but Mr. Broudy was 
critically wounded, having been kicked and punched and struck violently 
in the back of the head with the baseball bat. No one has been arrested 
in connection with the incident, which police are investigating 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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