[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S11204]
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 11, 
2002, in New York, NY. A gay man, Eric D. Miller, 26, was shot in the 
chest on a Harlem street by a man who shouted anti-gay remarks at him, 
according to police. Miller and his partner were walking down a street 
when they were confronted by two men who became enraged at the sight of 
the couple. The assailants yelled, ``Black men shouldn't be gay,'' and 
threw rocks and bottles at the victims. During an ensuing scuffle, one 
of the assailants shot Miller in the chest. Miller was treated at a 
local hospital and released.
  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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