Funds for domestic violence programs in NC narrowly survive LGBT law fight

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Millions of dollars in funding for domestic violence programs in North Carolina have narrowly survived a legal fight over a law limiting protections for LGBT people.

Federal judge Thomas Schroeder ruled Thursday to preserve nearly $5 million the state is scheduled to receive in the coming months under the federal Violence Against Women Act.

He signed his order at 11:25 p.m., about a half-hour before a deadline that could have cut the federal funding.

The judge's order allows the Department of Justice to ignore a federal law provision that would have required a suspension of funding within 45 days after its lawsuit was filed.

The Justice Department sued the state in May, alleging that a law limiting LGBT protections constitutes discrimination under Violence Against Women Act and other federal laws.

JONATHAN DREW, Associated Press.
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The Gayly - 6/24/2016 @ 10:34 a.m. CDT