[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 130 (Monday, October 7, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S10037]
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 October 1, 
2000 in Traverse City, MI. A 23-year-old bartender at a gay bar was 
attacked as he was removing the trash out of the back door of the 
building around 2 a.m. An attacker grabbed him by the shoulders and 
began shouting ``faggot'' and other obscenities at him. Moments later, 
two other men jumped into the ally, one brandishing a baseball bat. The 
bartender was able to run away after the initial attack, but was 
assaulted again after trying to return to the club several minutes 
later.
  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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