National Gay and Lesbian Task Force – April 26, 2010 The Task Force applauds the U.S. Senate’s passage by a vote of 68-31 today of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization bill, which for the first time includes explicit protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) survivors of domestic violence. The 1994 federal law provides funds to enhance investigation and prosecution of violent crimes such as domestic violence...

Seattle (CNN) — David Wing-Kovarik and his partner, Conrad, were ready to adopt a child. They moved through all their requirements smoothly, even completing an orientation and training course for prospective parents. Then they were confronted with their first real stumbling block. “Our adoption agent said, ‘Well, you both look the same on paper, so who’s going to be the parent?’” Wing-Kovarik recalls. In Arizona,...