[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 25, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S9226]
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 January 17, 
2001 in Helena, MT. A gay college student was beaten unconscious in his 
dorm room. The attacker struck the student in the head with a bottle, 
beat him while he was unconscious, and wrote ``Die Fag'' on his body 
with an ink marker. The victim withdrew from school two weeks after the 
attack.
  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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