[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20496]
[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 June 20, 2000 
in New York NY. Amanda Milan, a 27-year-old transgendered woman, died 
after her throat was slashed with a knife outside the Port Authority. 
Witnesses say that a group of taxi drivers cheered and applauded as the 
crime was committed and shouted anti- transgender remarks. One of the 
perpetrators shouted phrases like ``You're a man!'' and made crude 
reference to the victim's gender. Three men were arrested in connection 
with 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 and changing 
current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.

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