[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15348]
[From the U.S. 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 
this 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 April 19, 
1992 in Methuen, Massachusetts. Two men who had been harassing a group 
of women as they left a gay bar allegedly beat two women. The men were 
charged with assault and battery and assault and battery with a 
dangerous weapon.
  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, we can change 
hearts and minds as well.

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