GIFFORDS Calls on Massachusetts Leaders to Address Gun Violence
Washington DC — Today, GIFFORDS, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, called on the Massachusetts governor and legislature to address the devastating toll of gun violence in the state. GIFFORDS released a memo detailing steps the state can take to reduce gun violence and save lives.
GIFFORDS’ steps for Massachusetts can be found HERE.
Joe Platte, State Legislative Manager:
“Massachusetts has long been a national leader on commonsense gun laws. However, in 2020, the state saw the highest number of gun homicides since 1994. Gun violence in the state can be addressed by passing laws to regulate ghost guns, raise the minimum age to buy firearms, protect survivors of abuse, and more. Greater action is needed to stem the tide of gun violence, and with a gun safety champion now in the governor’s office, it’s time for Massachusetts to act. GIFFORDS stands ready to work alongside Governor Healey and our allies in the legislature to get this done.”
With gun safety champions in the governor’s office and state legislature, there are possibilities for progress. Massachusetts can:
- Stop the proliferation of ghost guns by passing comprehensive legislation to prevent people from bypassing the state’s strong gun safety laws.
- Promote victims’ access to justice by establishing a firearm industry code of conduct so gun violence victims can seek justice.
- Strengthen protections for abuse survivors by creating enforceable processes to guarantee that courts order abusive individuals to relinquish firearms after being subject to violence prevention orders.
- Update state’s assault weapons and large-capacity magazine law to keep dangerous, military-style weapons off of Massachusetts’ streets.
- Provide counseling and support services under Medicaid to victims of and witnesses to community violence.
- Raise the minimum age to buy firearms from 18 to 21.
- Establish a firearm relinquishment law that ensures those who are disqualified from owning guns safely relinquish them.
- Strengthen efforts to prevent gun trafficking by restricting straw purchasing, investigating illegal gun sales, and sharing data on leading sources of crime guns with the public.
- Secure sustained funding for effective violence prevention programs.
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