KERRY L. BENTIVOLIO: “Legislation that is passed here needs to be more than just a title that sounds good in the press. I understand that when…”

“Legislation that is passed here needs to be more than just a title that sounds good in the press. I understand that when most in this country hear the ``Violence Against Women Act,'' they think, ``of course I don't support violence against women. This must be a great bill.'' When I was a high school teacher I used to tell my English students that you can't judge a book by its cover. Well, maybe we should learn here in Congress that you can't judge a bill by its title. The gruesome and oftentimes cruel experience of domestic violence should not happen to anyone. It shouldn't matter what race or ethnicity you are. It shouldn't matter your religion, your sexual orientation, age, immigration status or economic standing. And it shouldn't matter your gender. No one should feel unsafe at home. Unfortunately, this bill doesn't do that. This bill segregates people into groups, making gendered designations that assume a feminization of victimhood. We live in a fallen world in which all kinds of people are capable horrid, violent behavior, every victim of domestic violence should receive protection and support regardless of their circumstances. I wish this bill simply dealt with domestic violence instead of gender stereotypes. Furthermore, the Tenth Amendment exists and we can't ignore it. Each State already has criminal statues targeting domestic violence. If more laws are needed, there is no reason why each state can't pass stronger laws.…”