[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 2, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S4699]
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 in September 
2000, at Fort Jackson, SC. Ronald Chapman was physically assaulted by 
other soldiers after a drill sergeant called Chapman a ``faggot.'' He 
was sleeping in his bed when soldiers entered the room and beat him up 
with blankets filled with bars of soap. Chapman feared for his safety 
after the beating, and felt compelled to tell his superior officers 
that he was gay.
  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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