[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 16315]
[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 January 28, 
1998 in Webster, MA. A gay man was allegedly attacked by two men, one 
of whom he met through a gay chat room on the Internet. The men also 
used anti-gay epithets. William ``Billy'' Peters was arrested in the 
incident.
  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.




                          ____________________