Woo hoo! Now that’s what we call progress, baby!
The U.S. Senate passed a new law on Thursday, which tweaks the Violence Against Women Act to offer protections for LGBT survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Previously, the bill enacted in 1994 had no LGBT-inclusive provisions and some senators even tried to pass an amendment which would have completely excluded LGBT victims from the bill’s protection. THANKFULLY, they did not succeed.
With 25%-35% of same-sex relationships subject to domestic violence (a number similar to heterosexual relationships), this bill could not be more important and now has to pass in through the House of Representatives.
If for some odd reason you can’t comprehend the value of this law, we think the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force executive director said it best:
“To be the target of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking is terrifying and traumatic. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are not immune from this violence, and their distress should not be further heightened by a lack of proper response from service providers or law enforcement. Imagine being assaulted, scared and in pain ├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥ and then being turned away from receiving basic services and care. No one should ever be subjected to such inhumane treatment.”
Right on!
Violence causes pain, REGARDLESS of sexual orientation and therefore, EVERY woman deserves to be protected by this law.
EQUALITY FOR ALL!
[Image via WENN.]