[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 19751]
[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 August 8, 
2000 in Providence, RI. Two young gay men were severely beaten by two 
strangers. The assailants drove by the young men, shouting vulgarities 
and anti-gay slurs. After making two passes, the perpetrators got out 
of the car, shouted more anti-gay slurs, and proceeded to punch and 
kick the victims in the head and body. The attackers fled after 
witnesses called for help.
  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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