[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16005]
[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 last 
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 July 29, 2000 
in Mahwah, NJ. A man attacked two gay men after leaving an apartment 
complex party. The assailant confronted the two partygoers in the 
apartment parking lot, made obscene remarks about their sexual 
orientation, and then punched and kicked them. One of the victims had 
to be treated at a local hospital.
  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 and changing 
current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

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