Gun-Free Zones Failure: Bipartisan Bill to Allow Weapons in Gun-Free Zones for Abuse Victims
Yet another proof that gun-free zones are not safe, a bipartisan bill in Michigan seeks to allow victims of domestic abuse and stalking to carry guns in gun-free zones. However, the law exempts those with an active personal protective order (PPO) from bearing arms in such places. The exemption is contradictory because people with PPO are victims of domestic abuse, threats, or stalking.
Rep. Rodney Wakeman, R-Saginaw Township, introduced the bill with Rep. Sara Cambensy, D-Marquette, and others as co-sponsors. According to Rep. Wakeman, victims of abuse cannot rely on a PPO as the primary source of their safety.
“Victims, especially those in a current or former abusive relationship, cannot solely rely upon words that are typed on a legal document, such as a PPO, to be an impenetrable shield of armor to protect them from people who have intent to do harm,” Wakeman said.
The Women’s Information Service executive director also welcomed the proposal to allow victims of abuse to carry weapons in restricted areas.
“At all costs, we want our clients protected,” Currie said. “When a perpetrator knows there are loopholes, they tend to use every opportunity to figure out how to get around protection orders.”
While the proposal is an excellent idea, it also pokes holes into the logic behind gun-free zones. Firstly, the exclusion of victims with PPO does not make sense because criminals bringing guns into gun-free zones do not care whether their victims have a typed court document. Secondly, if gun-free zones cannot protect abuse victims, how would they protect other people from other crimes, for example, robbery or mass shooting?
Lake County Sheriff Richard Martin appears to have identified this contradiction. “The first way to look at it is that pistol-free areas only keep law-abiding citizens from having a weapon,” Sheriff Martin said. It remains to be seen whether all Democrats will support their peers or allow victims’ safety to remain in jeopardy. The bill is currently in the House Military, Veterans and Homeland Security Committee.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing universal background checks in our state, and if left unchecked, it will not be long until we see bills like this getting traction in Austin. Texas is embarrassingly ranked 29th for gun rights, and with the help of the political elites in Austin, we will surely rank among New York, California, and Illinois if left to their own devices. Please join our fight today, and help us restore Texas' place as the standard for the U.S.
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