[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11062-S11063]
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 December 28, 
2001 in Marshfield, MA. According to police, a teenage assailant beat a 
man because the assailant thought the victim was gay. The victim was 
standing outside a local store when a car containing three men pulled 
into the parking lot. One of

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the men in the car yelled anti-gay obscenities at the victim. The 
victim entered the store with two friends, and upon exiting, was beaten 
by the assailant. The assailant yelled anti-gay epithets while punching 
and kicking the victim, continuing the beating even after the victim 
fell to the ground.
  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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