Klobuchar Introduces Bill to Close ‘Boyfriend Loophole’ for Stalkers, Domestic Abusers

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

(KNSI) – A Minnesota senator is reintroducing a bill that would prevent people who have abused dating partners from possessing or buying firearms by closing the “boyfriend loophole.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar introduced the Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act, which now has 37 co-sponsors in the Senate. If the bill becomes law, that prohibition on gun ownership would also extend to people who have had restraining orders filed against them by a dating partner. That added definition expands who would be covered under current domestic violence prevention law.

“This bill will close a dangerous loophole and stop abusive dating partners and convicted stalkers from buying or owning a gun – a common sense step that will save lives,” Klobuchar said in a statement. “It’s time to protect victims of abuse and their families by passing this legislation.”

Data from the Department of Justice shows that roughly three-quarters of women murdered by an intimate partner were stalked by them first.

Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Democratic Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan have also introduced a bipartisan House version of the bill. Klobuchar introduced this particular bill several times in recent years.