Hatch, Lee vote against gay-inclusive violence bill

A bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act was passed by the Senate Tuesday and has language that aims to help lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender victims of domestic violence. Both Utah senators voted against the bill, even though Sen. Orrin Hatch helped create the bill in 1994.

Last April, Hatch told the Salt Lake Tribune he opposed the bill because it contained provisions involving immigration, same-sex partners and Native Americans.

“It is inappropriate to use the Violence Against Women Act and the good will that it has attracted as cover for those new and divisive projects,” said Hatch.

The provisions would bar same-sex discrimination in any program receiving federal funds under the act, give federal courts more control over abuse on tribal reservations and increase the number of visas available for undocumented immigrants who report domestic violence.

Specifically to LGBT issues, the bill:

• mandates all programs or activities that receive funding under VAWA provide services regardless of a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
• includes the LGBT community in the largest VAWA grant program, the “STOP Grant Program,” which provides funding to care providers who collaborate with prosecution and law enforcement officials to address domestic violence.
• sets up a grant program specifically aimed at providing services and outreach to underserved populations, including programs that provide care specifically for LGBT people.

Lee said he opposed the bill because it gives the federal government too much power.