Feminists are Taking on the NRA in the Fight to End Violence Against Women

[niyad]

Feminists are Taking on the NRA in the Fight to End Violence Against Women

Legislation to re-authorize and expand the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) passed in the U.S. House last Friday in a 263-158 vote. But even in the wake of this most recent victory, the future of VAWA remains uncertain—and the fight for women’s lives remains as urgent.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv_7Id8FIhj/?utm_source=ig_embed

First introduced to Congress in 1994, this marks the latest development in the fourth fight to reauthorization the groundbreaking law protecting victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence, stalking and other forms of gender-based violence. The most recent iteration of VAWA expands and re-affirms the scope of the historic law: It maintains protections currently in place for immigrant survivors and now also allows gender identity to dictate placement in shelters and prisons, rather than biological sex—making room for trans women in its umbrella of protections.
“I am pleased that the U.S. House has reauthorized VAWA,” Feminist Majority Foundation President (and publisher of Ms.) Eleanor Smeal told the Feminist Newswire, “but our work is far from over.” Smeal and other feminist leaders are now urging activists to reach out to Senators in support of VAWA.

The vote on VAWA in the House was largely divided along partisan lines, with only 33 of 190 Republicans in the chamber voting for reauthorization. That divide was shaped by escalating pressure from the National Rifle Association (NRA), which is urging lawmakers to reject VAWA’s reauthorization because of a new provision that would block any person convicted of stalking or physical abuse from purchasing a firearm.

The NRA is instead advocating for upholding what advocates call the “boyfriend loophole“—a gap in existing policies that allows abusers who aren’t married, cohabitating with or parenting with their victims, as well as stalkers, to maintain access to firearms despite charges of violence and harassment. NRA spokesperson Jennifer Baker event went as far as to minimize the dangers of stalking and relationship violence in an interview with the New York Times.

“We didn’t elect NRA lobbyists to write our nation’s gun laws or to protect marginalized and vulnerable women,” Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America founder and president Shannon Watts said in a statement. “We elected Congress to do that—and, thanks to the most diverse class of representatives in our nation’s history, they did.”


https://msmagazine.com/2019/04/08/feminists-are-taking-on-the-nra-in-the-fight-to-end-violence-against-women/

[Behind the Aegis]

1. It is going to be an uphill battle.

For all the screams and yells about "the most powerful lobby groups EVAH", the NRA is one of the most powerful and formidable. Sadly, it has become an entity all its own, one that doesn't even respect the wishes of its members. Women and those who support and love them, will have to stand our ground and push this behemoth back into the cesspool from wince it came!

ETA: (From two days ago)

Mother Shot And Killed In Front Of Police Station During Custody Exchange

The mother of a 17-month-old child was fatally shot Sunday evening outside of the Hawthorne Police Department.

According to Hawthorne Police, the woman was shot and killed during a custody exchange and the child was reportedly safe and in police custody.

Police say the suspect dropped off his child inside the police station around 6 p.m. before grabbing a shotgun out of his vehicle and returning to shoot the victim as she went to retrieve the child.

Officers have since arrested the man suspected of shooting the victim near the 440 block of 134th Street, not far from where the shooting occurred.

The victim was reportedly afraid of the baby’s father and brought family members along with her to the police department to exchange custody of their daughter.

more...

[PBC_Democrat]

2. Why the link article?

Nothing to indicate that the idiot shooter had been convicted, or even accused, of stalking or domestic abuse.

I'm all for people convicted of violence and menacing behavior losing their right to own a weapon.

I do have a problem with some of the Red Flag laws being passed as there is no due process provided, but that doesn't seem to be the case in the article you provided.

[Behind the Aegis]

4. Because it is an extreme example of the violence against women.

[niyad]

6. you really don't understand? the woman was AFRAID of the man--there was clearly a reason

that the custody exchanges took place at the police station. so I would guess that there were at least accusations of some sort of abuse or fear.

but, hey, only a woman, yes?

[PBC_Democrat]

7. Cheap Shot ...

I get that she may have genuinely been in fear of the moron.

The question is to the level of threat that justifies restricting a constitution right without due process.

As to the 'only a woman' quip -- I have a wife, three daughters, and a granddaughter.
I support extremely severe penalties for abuse of women, children, and animals - including the loss of liberty and the right to own a firearm.

[niyad]

8. and yet, you questioned the inclusion of the article, dismissed that there was indication of abuse.

[Judi Lynn]

3. The NRA "boyfriend loophole" is a monstrous scheme. Had never heard of it. Thanks, niyad. n/t

[niyad]

5. you are most welcome. the first time I heard of that loophole, I wanted to scream.