House votes to renew domestic violence law

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House has voted to reauthorize a 25-year-old law that helps victims of domestic and sexual violence, despite complaints by Republicans that Democrats were politicizing the popular law by expanding gun control.

The bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act includes a provision making it easier to take away guns from violent offenders even if they are not a spouse or domestic partner. The amendment closes the so-called “boyfriend loophole” by barring those convicted of abusing, assaulting or stalking a current or former dating partner from owning a firearm.

Supporters said the measure was crucial to protect women, but the National Rifle Association and some Republicans called it a political trap intended to portray gun-rights supporters as anti-women.

The House approved the bill, 263-158, sending it to the Senate.