The state Attorney General's office today announced a civil-rights injunction against Herbert Malloy and Hattie Boseman because of the way they allegedly attacked a pair of women they spotted walking down a Jamaica Plain street, holding hands and kissing, on Jan. 1 of this year.

This is in addition to any penalties they could get when they go on trial in West Roxbury District Court for the alleged attack.

According to the Attorney General's office:

Malloy and Boseman, seated inside a pickup truck, began screaming at the couple because they were holding hands and kissing. The complaint further alleges that Boseman left the truck and attacked one of the victims by hitting her in the face and head with a handbag. While one of the women was defending herself against Boseman, Malloy then got out of the truck and assaulted the other victim.

The order, granted by Suffolk Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Fahey, means the two could face up to 2 1/2 years in jail if found guilty of a similar crime - or up to 10 years in state prison if they injure somebody while violating their civil rights. In a statment, AG Martha Coakley said:

No one should have to fear for their personal safety because of his or her sexual orientation. Incidents of violence based on sexual orientation are unacceptable and can have a devastating emotional impact on victims.

Meanwhile, the two are due back in court on April 30 on two counts each of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to intimidate and civil rights violations, the Suffolk County District Attorney's office says. A spokesman says the two victims had the presence of mind to take down the pickup's license-plate number as it drove away - which led investigator's to Malloy's home.

Innocent, etc.