Obama signs expanded Violence Against Women Act
By JOSH LEDERMAN Associated Press March 7, 2013 1:48PM
FILE - In this March 1, 2013 file photo, President Barack Obama speaks to reporters after meeting with congressional leaders in Washington, Friday, March 1, 2013. Obama is signing into law a bill extending and expanding domestic violence protections, ushering in a legislative victory for gay rights advocates and Native Americans that eluded him during his re-election campaign. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)
Updated: March 7, 2013 1:48PM
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says an expanded anti-violence bill is a “victory” for advocates and survivors of domestic violence.
Obama is speaking at a signing ceremony for the bill, which extends domestic violence protections.
The law strengthens those protections for victims who are attacked on tribal land. It also makes clear that lesbians, gays and immigrants should have equal access to the law’s programs.
The president says the original law “changed our culture.” Obama praised Vice President Joe Biden, who wrote the bill in 1994, for making violence prevention one of his top priorities.
