Obama signs renewal of Violence Against Women Act

• The measure lapsed a year and a half ago amid partisan bickering
• The new law is extended to cover Native Americans%2C immigrants and gays
• Obama%3A %27All women deserve the right to live free from fear%27

President Obama signed a renewal of the 1994 Violence Against Women Act on Thursday, saying it will continue to protect women from the threats of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

"All women deserve the right to live free from fear," Obama said during a signing ceremony at the Interior Department. "That's what today is about."

Like the 1994 version, the renewed law makes it easier to prosecute crimes against women in federal court, and provides such services as domestic abuse hotlines and shelters for battered women.

"No woman has to choose between a violent home and no home at all," Obama said.

The new bill extends coverage to women of Native American tribal lands who are attacked by non-tribal residents, as well as immigrants, gays and lesbians.

Obama also cited the fact that the renewal of the law won both Democratic and Republican votes in the Senate and House; several Republican legislators attended the signing ceremony.

"It makes me feel optimistic," Obama said.