[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 20672]
[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 in February 
2000 in Tucson, AZ. A gay man was beaten outside a bar. The assailant, 
Franchot Opela, 27, called the victim, Fabian Padilla, 23, a ``faggot'' 
and then beat Padilla to the ground with both fists. Padilla was 
treated for severe eye and head injuries resulting from the attack.
  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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