[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 24, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S9110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. 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 22, 
2002, in West Hollywood, CA. Two men brutally attacked a 55 year old 
gay man walking in West Hollywood, the second such attack in West 
Hollywood this month. The assailants beat the victim with a baseball 
bat and metal pipe while yelling anti-gay slurs. The attackers, who 
match the description of the men who attacked a 34 year old actor on 
September 1, fled when a cab driver stopped to help the victim. The 
victim received treatment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center following the 
assault.
  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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