[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 6 (Tuesday, January 14, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for 
hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I 
introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new 
categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence 
of any kind is unacceptable in our society.
  I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred March 6, 2001 
in Middleburg, PA. A gay man was severely beaten by two neighbors. 
Michael Aucker, 41, and two brothers, Todd Justin Clinger, 20, and Troy 
Lee Clinger, 18, were drinking beer in a trailer when the brothers 
thought Aucker made a sexual advance towards them. Police said the 
brothers took Aucker out on the deck and stomped on him with heavy work 
boots. Aucker was discovered a day and a half later by another neighbor 
and co-worker. He was in a coma and every bone in his face and nose 
were broken. 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 is 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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