[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 93 (Monday, June 23, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S8356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 2003

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need 
for hate crimes legislation. On May 1, 2003, 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 at Fort 
Campbell, KY. A little after 3 in the morning on July 5, 1999, PFC 
Barry L. Winchell was forced outside his barracks where he was 
stationed and brutally beaten with a baseball bat by another Army 
private. Winchell died of his injuries the following day. Army 
officials and sources close to Winchell believe that his death was 
motivated by antigay bias.
  I believe 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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