[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 11, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S2180]
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 September 2, 
2001 in Athens, GA. Christopher Gregory, 20, was attacked while leaving 
a gay bar. Gregory was walking with friends when a group of people 
started shouting anti-gay epithets at them. After Gregory turned and 
yelled ``Leave us alone!'' an attacker punched him, knocking him to the 
ground. As the attacker walked away he directed another anti-gay slur 
toward Gregory.
  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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