[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 127 (Wednesday, October 2, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S9840]
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 August 14, 
2001 in Jackson Heights, NY. Edgar Garzon, 35, was attacked after 
leaving a gay bar. The assailants, two men, exchanged hostile words 
with Mr. Garzon outside the bar, followed the victim toward his home, 
then beat the victim with a baseball bat or lead pipe. Mr. Garzon 
suffered a skull fracture and died three weeks after the attack. Police 
are investigating the incident as a bias 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.

                          ____________________