[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 146 (Wednesday, November 13, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10879-S10880]
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 October 11, 
2001 in College Park, MD. Around 1 p.m. on National Coming Out Day, a 
22 year-old woman wearing gay-supportive pins was hanging her bicycle 
on her car rack when a man approached her from behind and struck her on 
the back of the head, pushing her head into the rack and knocking her 
to the ground. The assailant kicked her several times and hurled anti-
gay epithets, according to police. The victim was treated at the 
university health center for injuries sustained during the attack.
  I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to 
defend them against the harms that come out

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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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