New Violence Against Women Act Includes Historic Protections for Native American and LGBT Survivors
With Amy Goodman & Juan González
FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013http://www.democracynow.org/2013/3/8/new_violence_against_women_act_includesFollow link for full videoPresident Obama has signed into law historic new protections for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault with the expanded reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
For the first time ever, it will also specifically include gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender survivors.
AMY GOODMAN: I want to bring Mara Keisling into the conversation, head of the National Center for Transgender Equality. Talk about the significance of this legislation, Mara.
MARA KEISLING: Well, it's hugely significant. LGBT people, including transgender people, are frequently victims of domestic and sexual violence, at levels equal—at least equal to other people in society. But we are much more likely to face discrimination when trying to access services. And like a lot of other populations... we're often less likely to seek assistance either from the police or from the services that are available for violence victims, because maybe we don't think we'll be treated fairly... But we see now people being turned away from domestic violence programs, including shelters, specifically because they're lesbians or gay or transgender or bisexual.
And something Juana said that is really true here, a lot of this is just about ignorance. And while the Violence Against Women Act is largely about creating the services and funding the services, it's also very important as an educational moment to understand—to make America understand and to make violence programs even understand that LGBT people do face violence and do need services.
AMY GOODMAN: Mara, as we wrap up, this is the second-ever LGBTQ-inclusive legislation.
MARA KEISLING: That's right... This is also the first time that sexual orientation and gender identity are explicitly protected in anti-discrimination protections in federal law.
