The Justice Department has decided that Federal prosecutors can enforce criminal provisions in the Violence Against Women Act in cases involving gay and lesbian relationships, the New York Times is reporting.
David J. Barron, an Assistant Attorney General at the Justice Department, confirmed that prosecutors can enforce the law in cases involving interstate stalking and domestic violence regardless of whether the victim or the defendant is a man or a woman.
"The text, relevant case law and legislative history all support the conclusion" that the law's criminal provisions "apply when the offender and the victim are the same sex," Mr. Barron wrote.
Barron pointed out in his memo to the DOJ that the Act uses gender-neutral language which is proof that Congress intended protections to cover all couples, not just straight couples.
Tracy Schmaler, a Justice Department spokeswoman, told the NY Times that the office's conclusion had been sent as guidance to Federal prosecutors around the country.
Congress first passed the Violence Against Women Act in 1994 but it has been updated many times since its inception.
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