Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence
11,407 67
Gun Lobby-Backed Efforts DC Gun Laws Repeal
Overview
Click on arrow to learn more!

POSITION: The Brady Campaign opposes any efforts to repeal the District of Columbia's gun laws. We oppose S. 3265, legislation introduced by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and John McCain (R-AZ), with companion House legislation, H.R. 5162, introduced by Representatives Travis Childers (D-MS) and Mark Souder (R-IN).

PROBLEM: S. 3265/H.R. 5162 is a dangerous attempt to repeal D.C. gun laws that would go far beyond authorizing gun possession for self-defense in the home.

The gun lobby is attempting to push legislation through Congress, claiming that it is needed to "restore Second Amendment rights in the District of Columbia." This is unnecessary because the D.C. government has already rewritten its laws to comply with the Supreme Court's Second Amendment decision in D.C. v. Heller. While that decision struck down D.C.'s ban on handguns in the home, Justice Antonin Scalia wrote that a wide range of gun laws are "presumptively lawful." Heller permits the types of laws that would be eliminated by this amendment.

THREAT: It would repeal D.C.'s ban on military-style weapons, allow teenagers to possess semiautomatic assault rifles, undermine federal anti-trafficking laws, trample the rights of private property owners, and prohibit D.C. from passing laws that even "discourage" gun possession or use, even by felons, children or other dangerous persons.

URGENCY: Repealing D.C.'s strong gun laws would threaten the safety of the citizen's of the District, those who work in the District and visitors to the Nation's Capital. At a time when terrorists continue to look for ways to attack our nation, this amendment would be reckless and irresponsible.

SOLUTION:  Please click here to look up your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative. Please call and tell them to reject S. 3265/H.R. 5162.

» Click here for more details.
Studies and Reports