Politics & Government

Rep. Jim Townsend Introduces Gun Safety Legislation

Reps. Jim Townsend, Vicki Barnett, Andy Schor introduce package of legislation to reduce gun violence.

Democratic state representatives will introduce a package of legislation aimed at curbing gun violence and increasing public safety. The package calls for universal background checks for gun purchases, protections to keep guns away from individuals convicted of domestic assault, increased support for mental health systems in Michigan, promotion of safe zones and the expansion of gun-free zones to include public libraries.

"We are fortunate not to have recently experienced tragedies like Massachusetts, Arizona and Colorado," said Rep. Jim Townsend, "but the reality is that over 150 gun deaths have occurred in Michigan since the tragedy at Newtown. It shouldn't take a mass shooting in Michigan for us to take action on commonsense gun safety legislation. Requiring a background check for all purchases and transfers of firearms is a start in making our communities safer. The people of our state know we need a change. A recent poll showed that over 80 percent of Michiganders support this common sense measure."

Rep. Vicki Barnett sponsored two bills that would strengthen mental health services in Michigan and increase offenses and restrictions on those convicted of committing acts of domestic violence.

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"A woman in an abusive relationship is five times more likely to be killed by her abuser if the abuser owns a firearm. Now more than ever we must give a voice to so many of the voiceless victims," Barnett said. "The appalling figures related to domestic violence demonstrate that we must place importance on these laws in reducing access to those households affected by intimate partner violence."

"A gun free zone should be just that: gun free," Rep. Andy Schor said. "Carrying guns in schools and libraries is not conducive to learning and causes people to be uncomfortable or threatened. Current law bans concealed carry of guns in these areas but a person can go into a school, library or other sensitive area with a gun on their hip or pointed down. We need to close that loophole."

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Reverend RJ Hronek, of the United Church of Wayland and a member of the steering committee for Michigan Prophetic Voices, reminded those that “this issue today is not a Democratic or Republican issue. This is a moral and ethical issue, and it is an issue that all of us who consider ourselves faithful should care about.”

As a mother, I worry about the safety of children at school or at the park," said Linda Brundage of Moms Demand Gun Action. "These bills are a start to increasing public safety and reducing unnecessary gun violence. I call upon all legislators to co-sponsor this package today."

Source: Rep. Jim Townsend press release


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