In news that should surprise absolutely no one the National Rifle Association announced its opposition to the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, legislation which has provided countless victims of domestic violence with some measure of protection and accountability against perpetrators of domestic violence. Apparently the NRA’s feelings were hurt by the VAWA reauthorization’s provisions designed to keep even more domestic abusers from having access to firearms.
Under federal law, individuals convicted of domestic violence offenses against their spouses or family members are already barred from owning firearms. But the law does not apply to individuals who abuse their dating partners. The VAWA reauthorization bill would fix that, closing the so-called “boyfriend loophole.”
It would also prohibit individuals convicted of misdemeanor stalking offenses ― which experts believe can be a predictor of future violence ― from owning or purchasing firearms.
The NRA has not weighed in on VAWA reauthorizations in past years, NRA spokeswoman Catherine Mortensen told HuffPost. But the organization is coming out against the bill this time because it expands the list of misdemeanor convictions that result in permanent firearm prohibitions, she said.
When you’re siding with domestic violence offenders and against women who’ve been victimized you’re probably on the wrong side of history.
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