[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 20241]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 20241]]

                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. 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 15, 
2000 in Elmwood Park, NJ. After days of anti-gay taunts and threats, a 
classmate beat a 16-year-old gay student at Memorial High School in 
Elmwood Park. The teen's face was bruised and cut from being tackled 
and repeatedly punched in the face and body.
  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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