[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 17 (Thursday, January 30, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S1799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2001

  Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for 
hate crimes legislation. In the last Congress Senator Kennedy and I 
introduced the Local Law Enforcement Act, a bill that would add new 
categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence 
of any kind is unacceptable in our society.
  I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred August 27, 
2000 in Normal, IL. Christopher Weninger, an Illinois State University 
student, was assaulted while walking home from a party. Three men 
approached Weninger on the street and asked him for a cigarette. As 
Weninger handed one man a cigarette, another man punched him in the 
face and called him ``queer.'' The victim suffered a broken nose and 
eye socket.
   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 is 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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