Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America Takes The Fight For Gun Sense To The States

INDIANAPOLIS, May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America stood by Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley as he signed a comprehensive gun reform package, making Maryland the fourth state in the nation to enact stricter gun laws since the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. 

"Together with General Assembly, a strong coalition of committed and vocal grassroots groups like Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and the people of Maryland who overwhelmingly support policies to reduce gun violence, we've chosen to take action by advancing the strategies that work to save lives," said Governor Martin O'Malley. "This legislation takes a comprehensive, common sense approach to help keep our communities safe while striking a balance between protecting the safety of law enforcement and our children, and respecting the traditions of hunters and law-abiding citizens."

"We are grateful to Governor O'Malley and our state legislature for their outstanding leadership in passing this groundbreaking and comprehensive gun violence prevention bill. It is a great day for the children, families, and communities of Maryland," said Erin Gormley, Maryland Chapter Leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

The signing of the Maryland gun law comes just one week after the Missouri state legislature passed a conflicting bill that would effectively void all federal gun laws. The Missouri bill, HB436, makes it a crime for any state employee or public officer to enforce federal gun laws throughout the state, while loosening restrictions on conceal and carry permits, and allowing designated "school protection officers" to carry guns in schools. Moms Demand Action has called on Governor Jay Nixon to swiftly veto this bill. 

"These dangerous bills, which are supported by pro-gun lobbyists who profit from their passage, actually put the lives of our children and families at risk," said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. "These legislators are more concerned about their own political welfare than the safety of their most vulnerable constituents."

Moms Demand Action is also working in other states throughout the country to promote gun sense. The grassroots movement is fighting against bills in Texas and North Carolina that have both been passed by state houses. Legislation proposed in Texas would allow armed volunteer employees, so-called "school marshals" to carry and operate weapons in public schools. Similarly a North Carolina bill would allow concealed weapons in establishments that serve alcohol and in locked vehicles on college campuses. Both bills are awaiting a vote in their state senates.

Alternatively, New Jersey's State Senate recently passed several strong gun violence prevention bills, including anti-trafficking measures. By the end of the month New Jersey state senators are expected to vote on additional bills, including increased child access prevention law penalties, a swipe card background check system, and mandatory gun safety training. As a member of the New Jersey gun violence prevention coalition, Moms Demand Action members are urging state legislators to reduce high-capacity ammunition magazines from 15 to 10 rounds.

To support these efforts, Moms Demand Action has launched a new video that points out the absurdity of America's federal and state gun laws. "The Other Easter Egg Hunt," documents a Moms Demand Action member as she hands out banned Kinder Surprise Eggs to strangers on the streets of Washington, DC. The chocolate candy eggs with a toy inside are banned in the United States because they present a potential choking hazard for children. The video points out the hypocrisy of banning a candy treat to protect children, while not banning assault weapons like the AR-15, used in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in Newtown in December.

View the latest video here:  http://youtu.be/2Ph9ofGnJXY
View previous ads here: http://momsdemandaction.org/

About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to change laws regarding drunk driving, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America (www.momsdemandaction.org) was created to build support for common-sense gun legislation. The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. In just five months, the organization has more than 100,000 members with more than 90 local chapters in 40 states across the country.

SOURCE Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America