[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 19]
[Senate]
[Page 26675]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   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 in November 
1996 in Charlottesville, VA. Three men abducted, robbed, and beat a gay 
man. One of the assailants, Billy Ray McKethan, 19, pleaded guilty to 
charges brought against him in connection with the incident, and was 
sentenced to 20 years in prison without parole.
  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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