It's a historic day in the U.S. today as the House officially passes the first federal non-discrimination provision that includes the LGBT community.

You can't beat up a woman or your same-sex or trans partner without stronger repercussions thanks to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which just cleared the House after passing the Senate. 

The Senate has voted to renew the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and has extended protections for LGBT victims of domestic violence. This follows the rejection of a non-inclusive, Republican sponsored alternative piece of legislation last week. 

More after the jump.

The Senate has rejected a proposed Republican alternative to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization bill.

The GOP bill, presented by Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley would strip LGBT victims of domestic violence of their protections. 

More after the jump.

On Thursday, the Senate voted to re-authorize the Violence Against Women Act. The legislation, which aims to strengthen domestic violence programs, extended its coverage to members of the LGBT community for the first time.

More after the jump.