By Steve
Ahlquist in Rhode
Island’s Future
Representative Teresa Tanzi has introduced
legislation that seeks to protect the victims of domestic abuse by taking
firearms out of the hands of abusers.
Called the Protect Rhode Island Families Act,
the bill would prohibit gun possession by people convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors
and people currently subject to final domestic abuse protective orders.
It would also require domestic
abusers to surrender their guns to law enforcement or to licensed gun dealers
when they become prohibited. These actions would bring Rhode Island in line with
federal law.
“Valentine’s Day is a time to honor
those we love and I am so proud to introduce this critical legislation today
that will ensure our state better protects victims of domestic abuse,” said
Tanzi.
“Advocates for victims and survivors
of domestic abuse have come together to urge the state legislature not to let
another session go by without taking action to disarm known, dangerous abusers.
Rhode Islanders lives, safety, and peace of mind are at stake.”
The legislation has the support of
the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic
Violence, the Rhode Island Chapter
of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety.
“This is a top priority for the
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence,” said Deborah DeBare, executive
director of the organization. “From 1980 to 2016, 232 Rhode Islanders lost
their lives as a result of domestic violence; 48 percent of those individuals
were killed with firearms. Enough is enough.”
“Fifty-seven percent of mass
shootings in the U.S. involved a partner or other close family member,” said Jerry Belair, President of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun
Violence. “Gun violence is a domestic violence issue. It’s time to keep
victims of domestic violence safe.”
By extending the prohibition to
abusers convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors for cyberstalking and
cyberharassment and for violating the terms of final protective orders, the
bill further empowers law enforcement to keep guns out of the hands of
dangerous domestic abusers.
“States across the country have
brought about change on this issue, and Rhode Island is long overdue to do the
same,” said Jennifer Smith Boylan, a
volunteer with the Rhode Island Chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in
America.
“People convicted of domestic
violence crimes or subject to domestic protective orders simply should not have
access to guns. Lawmakers in Providence should follow the lead of Rep.
Tanzi and make this bill a priority while the legislature is in session. It’s
time to protect women and families and pass this legislation.”
Steve Ahlquist is an award-winning journalist, writer,
artist and founding member of the Humanists of Rhode Island, a non-profit group
dedicated to reason, compassion, optimism, courage and action. The views
expressed are his own and not necessarily those of any organization of which he
is a member. atomicsteve@gmail.com
and Twitter: @SteveAhlquist