In this New York Times article, Johnathan Weisman discusses the effort to push a last measure of the Violence Against Women Act through Congress. This ten page section would allow Native American courts and police to pursue non-tribal members for violence against tribal women. Weisman explains how a black hole currently exists in the legislation, and tribal women are not protected from non-tribal member violence that occurs on Tribal land. This situation was exactly the case of Diane Millich who faced countless acts of domestic abuse at the hands of her non-tribal husband, with no way to prosecute him. Officials urge that the passage is necessary, as Native American women face larger instances of many forms of physical and sexual abuse.
The issue lies in Republican’s disagreement with the wording and measures of the section, which they think goes too far. Some even called it unconstitutional. Other politicians from both sides however have urged for the passage of the bill, stating that the protection of the rights and well being of Native American women is more important than trying to uphold a “philosophical point”. Some supporters have even accused the hesitancy to pass the bill as a bias against Native Americans. It stands to be determined if this measure will be passed or not.
Do you agree with this measure? Do you think their should be limits or provisions placed on it? Why or why not? Who do you think would most benefit from it’s passage?