The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal by the National Rifle Association of lower court rulings on the city of Pittsburgh's lost or stolen gun ordinance. In 2008 City Council approved the law which requires gun owners to report to police within 24 hours of discovering that the firearms have been lost or stolen. The ordinance is intended to cut down on ""straw purchases" of guns where a person buys a gun and then sells it to someone who legally cannot purchase the firearm. Then when the gun is used in a crime, the original legal buyer claims it was lost or stolen.
The state's highest court opted not to hear the NRA's appeal of lower courts' decisions that the organization does not have legal standing to challenge the ordinance. The NRA claims the Pittsburgh ordinance violates a state law that bans local governments from regulating guns. Supporters argue that this law does not regulate guns but only requires owners to report when they are lost or stolen. The NRA has not indicted whether they will go to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In addition to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and 45 other municipalities have enacted such laws.
The court rulings on the Pittsburgh ordinance have only been on "standing" only and not on the constitutionality of the measure.
Showing posts with label gun control. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gun control. Show all posts
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Hold Up in Castle Doctrine Bills
A bill clarifying and expanding the right to deadly self-defense is one vote away from becoming law in Pennsylvania, but it's facing a delay, due to political turf wars.
Both the House and Senate have passed identical measures, both referred to as "Castle Doctrine" bills. Right now, each chamber's leaders are waiting for their counterparts to act next.
Republican Representative Scott Perry, who authored the House bill, told 2nd Amendment supporters to push for action.
"I would urge that you contact your legislators, both in the House and the Senate. And more importantly, your legislative leaders in the House and Senate. And say, hey - look, put your egos aside. Perry's willing to put his aside. Alloway's willing to put his aside. Let's just make this thing law."
The Senate bill was written by Republican Richard Alloway. Perry made his comments at the Capitol's annual 2nd Amendment rally. Speaking at the rally, Kim Stolfer, the chairman of the Firearms Owners Against Crime group, urged lawmakers to move forward.
"We should not have to bargain for the right to bear arms, or the right to self-defense. Castle doctrine needs to be passed now."
The event drew large crowds in 2010 and 2009, but generated much smaller turnout this year.
Governor Corbett has said he'll sign whichever bill ends up on his desk. A similar measure passed the House and Senate last year, but was vetoed by Democratic Governor Ed Rendell.
Both the House and Senate have passed identical measures, both referred to as "Castle Doctrine" bills. Right now, each chamber's leaders are waiting for their counterparts to act next.
Republican Representative Scott Perry, who authored the House bill, told 2nd Amendment supporters to push for action.
"I would urge that you contact your legislators, both in the House and the Senate. And more importantly, your legislative leaders in the House and Senate. And say, hey - look, put your egos aside. Perry's willing to put his aside. Alloway's willing to put his aside. Let's just make this thing law."
The Senate bill was written by Republican Richard Alloway. Perry made his comments at the Capitol's annual 2nd Amendment rally. Speaking at the rally, Kim Stolfer, the chairman of the Firearms Owners Against Crime group, urged lawmakers to move forward.
"We should not have to bargain for the right to bear arms, or the right to self-defense. Castle doctrine needs to be passed now."
The event drew large crowds in 2010 and 2009, but generated much smaller turnout this year.
Governor Corbett has said he'll sign whichever bill ends up on his desk. A similar measure passed the House and Senate last year, but was vetoed by Democratic Governor Ed Rendell.
Friday, April 29, 2011
March Against Illegal Guns
A diverse group of organizations will remember victims of gun violence with a noon rally at Freedom Corner in the Hill District tomorrow and a march to the Convention Center, where the National Rifle Association is meeting. CeaseFire PA Executive Director Max Nacheman says the Supreme Court has upheld the right to bear arms but has also held that reasonable limits are appropriate.
Nacheman says the coalition wants the NRA to join them in seeking basic reforms: lost or stolen handgun reporting (which Pittsburgh passed and the NRA opposed) and fixing the broken background check system. He says loopholes allow criminals to buy weapons without background checks, and there are millions of missing records that could block prohibited purchasers from buying firearms. He says state and local governments should require a background check for every gun sale in America and should get the missing data into the system.
Even though Pennsylvania requires a background check for every handgun sale, even at gun shows, surrounding states do not, so people can easily bring in guns for which there's been no background check, according to Nacheman.
Reverend Chad Collins of the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network says Pennsylvania has more African American gun deaths than any other state, which wreaks terror on communities, and an average of 600 Pennsylvanians die each year from gun violence.
Pat Maisch will attend the rally. She helped take Jared Loughner’s ammunition clip away when he tried to kill Cong. Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson last January.
Other sponsors are B-PEP, the National Council for Urban Peace and Justice, the Falk Foundation, and the National Council of Jewish Women.
Nacheman says the coalition wants the NRA to join them in seeking basic reforms: lost or stolen handgun reporting (which Pittsburgh passed and the NRA opposed) and fixing the broken background check system. He says loopholes allow criminals to buy weapons without background checks, and there are millions of missing records that could block prohibited purchasers from buying firearms. He says state and local governments should require a background check for every gun sale in America and should get the missing data into the system.
Even though Pennsylvania requires a background check for every handgun sale, even at gun shows, surrounding states do not, so people can easily bring in guns for which there's been no background check, according to Nacheman.
Reverend Chad Collins of the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network says Pennsylvania has more African American gun deaths than any other state, which wreaks terror on communities, and an average of 600 Pennsylvanians die each year from gun violence.
Pat Maisch will attend the rally. She helped take Jared Loughner’s ammunition clip away when he tried to kill Cong. Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson last January.
Other sponsors are B-PEP, the National Council for Urban Peace and Justice, the Falk Foundation, and the National Council of Jewish Women.
Gun Ownership in Homes Reaches All-Time Low
Fewer than one out of every three homes in the United States has a gun according to recently released data from the General Social Survey (GSS). Violence Policy Center Executive Director Josh Sugarman says this could be due to a shift in demographics.
"As America's gun owning population is aging and dying off, they're not being replaced. You have young people who aren't picking up guns like they're parents did and more and more Americans are choosing to live in gun-free homes."
With the National Rifle Association coming to Pittsburgh this week, Sugarmann was passionate about his views against having a gun in the home.
"Here's the reality: it increases the likelihood of death and injury to you or a member of your family."
The survey found household gun ownership has reached the all-time low since it peaked in 1977. At that time 54 percent of American households reported having guns. By 2010, it had dropped to 33.2 percent.
"As America's gun owning population is aging and dying off, they're not being replaced. You have young people who aren't picking up guns like they're parents did and more and more Americans are choosing to live in gun-free homes."
With the National Rifle Association coming to Pittsburgh this week, Sugarmann was passionate about his views against having a gun in the home.
"Here's the reality: it increases the likelihood of death and injury to you or a member of your family."
The survey found household gun ownership has reached the all-time low since it peaked in 1977. At that time 54 percent of American households reported having guns. By 2010, it had dropped to 33.2 percent.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Council Hears Gun Violence Testimony
A large crowd gathered in Pittsburgh City Council chamber today for a public hearing on gun violence.
Council heard testimony from relatives and friends of gun violence victims, from shootings 27 years ago or just last year.
Many of the speakers asked Council to support more youth centers and mentoring programs that would keep the city’s young people away from bad influences. More gun control was also proposed.
Valerie Dixon, whose son Rob was shot and killed 10 years ago, says she also attended the funeral of three Pittsburgh Police officers shot and killed in April of 2009.
“I cried like it was my son’s funeral. It hurt just as much as my son’s funeral to see the deaths of those three officers. But until you care about our kids like you care about those three officers, nothing will be done in this city,” says Dixon.
Kirk Holbrook of Homewood says while commercial developments like the East Liberty Target are meant to create jobs, that approach isn’t working to keep kids off the streets. He says the city should focus on community centers in poor neighborhoods instead.
Councilman Ricky Burgess requested that April 26 be named “A Day of Remembrance” of gun violence victims.
Council heard testimony from relatives and friends of gun violence victims, from shootings 27 years ago or just last year.
Many of the speakers asked Council to support more youth centers and mentoring programs that would keep the city’s young people away from bad influences. More gun control was also proposed.
Valerie Dixon, whose son Rob was shot and killed 10 years ago, says she also attended the funeral of three Pittsburgh Police officers shot and killed in April of 2009.
“I cried like it was my son’s funeral. It hurt just as much as my son’s funeral to see the deaths of those three officers. But until you care about our kids like you care about those three officers, nothing will be done in this city,” says Dixon.
Kirk Holbrook of Homewood says while commercial developments like the East Liberty Target are meant to create jobs, that approach isn’t working to keep kids off the streets. He says the city should focus on community centers in poor neighborhoods instead.
Councilman Ricky Burgess requested that April 26 be named “A Day of Remembrance” of gun violence victims.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
CeaseFirePa and other Community Groups want Legislation
To mark the 43rd anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and second anniversary of the fatal shootings of three Pittsburgh police officers, CeaseFirePa, Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP), Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN) along with other community groups are urging state and federal lawmakers to make changes to gun regulations.
Jana Finder, the Western Pennsylvania coordinator for CeaseFirePa, says that holes were revealed in the background check system after the Tucson, Arizona shooting that killed six people in January. She says that the loopholes can be closed if each state is required to submit the names of those who are prohibited from purchasing guns to the Federal Investigation Bureau (FBI).
"The background check system is broken and it's not going to be repaired or work properly until the states provide the information they have."
Finder says that Pennsylvania has about a half million of those records, but not one has been submitted to the FBI.
The groups are also attempting to get a nationwide law requiring a background check for every gun purchase. Finder says that there are some circumstances in which the purchaser is not even asked for any form of identification.
On April 30th, CeaseFirePa, B-PEC, and PIIN are planning to hold a memorial service and public forum about gun violence during the National Rifle Association's (NRA) National Convention in Pittsburgh. Finder says that in the past, they have resisted CeaseFirePa's suggestions.
"We're holding this, sort of, counter-event to acknowledge the victims of gun violence and to let the National NRA members know that we are suffering from a gun violence problem."
Finder says a petition is being circulated online.
Jana Finder, the Western Pennsylvania coordinator for CeaseFirePa, says that holes were revealed in the background check system after the Tucson, Arizona shooting that killed six people in January. She says that the loopholes can be closed if each state is required to submit the names of those who are prohibited from purchasing guns to the Federal Investigation Bureau (FBI).
"The background check system is broken and it's not going to be repaired or work properly until the states provide the information they have."
Finder says that Pennsylvania has about a half million of those records, but not one has been submitted to the FBI.
The groups are also attempting to get a nationwide law requiring a background check for every gun purchase. Finder says that there are some circumstances in which the purchaser is not even asked for any form of identification.
On April 30th, CeaseFirePa, B-PEC, and PIIN are planning to hold a memorial service and public forum about gun violence during the National Rifle Association's (NRA) National Convention in Pittsburgh. Finder says that in the past, they have resisted CeaseFirePa's suggestions.
"We're holding this, sort of, counter-event to acknowledge the victims of gun violence and to let the National NRA members know that we are suffering from a gun violence problem."
Finder says a petition is being circulated online.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Another Attempt for the Castle Doctrine
A new legislative session means renewed hope for state lawmakers whose pet projects still haven’t become law.
Every two years, the General Assembly hits reset. So in the early weeks of the new session, a lot of familiar proposals are resurfacing.
That includes the so-called “Castle Doctrine” measure, which would expand a person’s right to deadly self-defense.
Senate sponsor Richard Alloway, a Republican, says last year’s debate focused too much on the criminal aspect of the argument, and not enough on its implications in lawsuits filed against people who defend themselves.
"What’s happening is, maybe you’re not getting charged with a crime, but the person who was the attacker ends up either suing you or his family sues you for some type of wrongful injury. And then they get a settlement. So they benefit from their wrongdoing."
The Castle Doctrine passed the House and Senate by wide margins, but then Governor Ed Rendell vetoed it.
Other old but new proposals include a ban on texting or talking on a cell phone while driving, a push to mandate more medical treatment for high school football players who suffer concussions, and a call for a constitutional convention.
Every two years, the General Assembly hits reset. So in the early weeks of the new session, a lot of familiar proposals are resurfacing.
That includes the so-called “Castle Doctrine” measure, which would expand a person’s right to deadly self-defense.
Senate sponsor Richard Alloway, a Republican, says last year’s debate focused too much on the criminal aspect of the argument, and not enough on its implications in lawsuits filed against people who defend themselves.
"What’s happening is, maybe you’re not getting charged with a crime, but the person who was the attacker ends up either suing you or his family sues you for some type of wrongful injury. And then they get a settlement. So they benefit from their wrongdoing."
Alloway was asked whether the Tucson shootings this month will impact this year’s Castle Doctrine debate.
"I think some of the anti-gun politicians in Pennsylvania will probably bring that up. I think it’s absolutely absurd. When you’re talking about guns, anything could be a weapon. What about knives? What about clubs, baseball bats?"
"I think some of the anti-gun politicians in Pennsylvania will probably bring that up. I think it’s absolutely absurd. When you’re talking about guns, anything could be a weapon. What about knives? What about clubs, baseball bats?"
The Castle Doctrine passed the House and Senate by wide margins, but then Governor Ed Rendell vetoed it.
Other old but new proposals include a ban on texting or talking on a cell phone while driving, a push to mandate more medical treatment for high school football players who suffer concussions, and a call for a constitutional convention.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Gun Control Advocates Wait on Court's Decision
Proponents of stricter regulations surrounding lost or stolen handguns in Pittsburgh are waiting for what they hope is the final chapter of a court battle with the National Rifle Association. In 2008 city council passed a law to prevent straw purchasers who buy guys legally and then sell them to criminals, from claiming that guns traced back to them were lost or stolen. The measure requires gun owners to report their guns as lost or stolen within 24 hours of the incident and has a fine of $500 for a first offense of failure to report, and a top fine of $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail for additional offenses. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl allowed to the measure to become law without signing it because he believed it was pre-empted by state law. In July 2009 the NRA lost a challenge to the measure after Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Stanton Wettick Jr. said that the organization and the four local gun owners it represented didn't have the standing to oppose it. But he did not dismiss the legality of the law itself. The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence took on the case pro bono on behalf of the city, and attorney Dan Vice calls the law common sense. "Gun owners report their guns stolen. They don't want a dangerous criminal using their gun to hurt someone. Gun traffickers don't. And they are the ones who can be prosecuted under this law." The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is reviewing the case. The case is not without precedent; the NRA mounted a challenge when Philadelphia enacted a similar law -- it was upheld by the state Supreme Court.
Friday, June 25, 2010
NRA Bid to Void Stolen Gun Law Fails Again
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court dismissed today the National Rifle Association’s challenge of a Pittsburgh ordinance that requires gun owners tell police if their firearm is lost or stolen.
The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence sided with the city in the case. Brady Center Senior Attorney Daniel Vice says this is the fifth Pennsylvania court ruling against the NRA on this issue.
“This is a big victory for Pittsburgh’s efforts to protect families from gun violence and a big loss for the NRA and gun traffickers,” says Vice.
“This is certainly a good signal to other cities and towns across Pennsylvania that have been passing similar laws to go ahead and do that, to enact this common-sense law that helps law enforcement stop gun trafficking and to help recover guns that have been stolen by criminals.”
Vice says though the NRA could potentially appeal to the state’s highest court, the Supreme Court rejected the Rifle Association’s challenge of a similar Philadelphia law.
The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence sided with the city in the case. Brady Center Senior Attorney Daniel Vice says this is the fifth Pennsylvania court ruling against the NRA on this issue.
“This is a big victory for Pittsburgh’s efforts to protect families from gun violence and a big loss for the NRA and gun traffickers,” says Vice.
“This is certainly a good signal to other cities and towns across Pennsylvania that have been passing similar laws to go ahead and do that, to enact this common-sense law that helps law enforcement stop gun trafficking and to help recover guns that have been stolen by criminals.”
Vice says though the NRA could potentially appeal to the state’s highest court, the Supreme Court rejected the Rifle Association’s challenge of a similar Philadelphia law.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Gun Control Group Grades Candidates
Officials with the advocacy group CeaseFirePA say they're pleased with the Democratic gubernatorial candidates' support for gun control measures.
Joe Grace, the executive director of CeaseFirePA, says all four Democratic candidates supported a majority of the 18 reform issues they were asked about in the questionnaire.
"Two candidates are from western Pennsylvania, where it's particularly said that you can 't ever talk about gun violence prevention. And they are Jack Wagner and Dan Onorato. Both of those candidates support a majority of reforms proposed by CeasefirePA."
Those reforms include increasing penalties for the illegal possession of a handgun, requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms, and banning assault weapons.
The group graded the candidates on their support for gun issues.
Joe Hoeffel received an A, and Anthony Williams was given an A-.
Dan Onorato got a B+, while Jack Wagner received a C+.
Republican Tom Corbett was given an F, since he didn't fill out the survey. President Phil Goldsmith says he's disappointed Corbett didn't respond to the questionnaire.
"And frankly, I think it's inexcusable that here, the state chief law enforcement officer - obviously a leading candidate for governor, basically was not willing to share his views with the people."
Corbett's GOP rival, Sam Rohrer, didn't do much better, in CeasefirePA's minds - he disagrees with them on every issue, and was given a D.
Joe Grace, the executive director of CeaseFirePA, says all four Democratic candidates supported a majority of the 18 reform issues they were asked about in the questionnaire.
"Two candidates are from western Pennsylvania, where it's particularly said that you can 't ever talk about gun violence prevention. And they are Jack Wagner and Dan Onorato. Both of those candidates support a majority of reforms proposed by CeasefirePA."
Those reforms include increasing penalties for the illegal possession of a handgun, requiring gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms, and banning assault weapons.
The group graded the candidates on their support for gun issues.
Joe Hoeffel received an A, and Anthony Williams was given an A-.
Dan Onorato got a B+, while Jack Wagner received a C+.
Republican Tom Corbett was given an F, since he didn't fill out the survey. President Phil Goldsmith says he's disappointed Corbett didn't respond to the questionnaire.
"And frankly, I think it's inexcusable that here, the state chief law enforcement officer - obviously a leading candidate for governor, basically was not willing to share his views with the people."
Corbett's GOP rival, Sam Rohrer, didn't do much better, in CeasefirePA's minds - he disagrees with them on every issue, and was given a D.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Gun Rights Advocates Call for Castle Doctrine Law
Pennsylvania’s two Republican candidates for governor stood shoulder-to-shoulder with 2nd Amendment advocates during a pro-gun rally at the state Capitol Tuesday. Several hundred people crowded the Capitol steps and voiced their opposition to gun control measures.
State Representative Daryl Metcalfe, a Butler Country Republican who’s running for lieutenant governor, emceed the event.
"After this year we end – we see an end to the terms of office of that gun-grabbing liberal from Philadelphia that’s been occupying the governor’s office." [applause]
Governor Rendell supports letting Pennsylvania’s municipalities set their own gun laws.
Right now, only the General Assembly can pass gun control measures. Rendell also backs efforts to limit gun purchases to one a month, and to require gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to police.
Suzanna Gratia Hupp, a former Texas lawmaker, said laws aimed at curbing access to guns won’t cut back on shootings.
"If guns are the problem, somebody explain to me why we haven’t seen any of these mass shootings at skeet and trap shoots? Or the NRA convention? Or the dreaded gun show?"
Speakers called for the passage of the “castle doctrine” bill – a measure that would reinforce a person’s right to defend his or her home with deadly force, without the obligation of trying to retreat first.
After the event, Attorney General Tom Corbett said he couldn’t directly support the legislation without reading it first, arguing there are three different measures before the General Assembly.
He did side with its general goal.
"More likely than not, yeah. Would we sign the castle doctrine passed by the legislature? Yes."
Corbett’s Republican opponent, State Representative Sam Rohrer, said he’d “absolutely” sign a castle doctrine bill.
"That’s not the first time the castle doctrine’s been introduced, and I’ve been supportive of that throughout all my years."
Saturday, August 29, 2009
NRA Angry about G20 Proposed Ordinance
A provision in a proposed security ordinance for the G20 Summit in Pittsburgh next month has the National Rifle Association upset. Pittsburgh City Council holds a public hearing Wednesday on ordinances that would ban gas masks, PVC pipe to link protesters, noxious substances and "contraband" weapons to thwart police efforts. The "contraband weapons" description comes from a dormant assault weapons ban, approved by Council in 1993 but quashed the next year by the state.
Attorney Meghan Jones-Rolla, who represented the N.R.A. in its suit challenging the city's ordinance to require the reporting of lost or stolen guns, called the proposed G20 ordinance a back door attempt at an assault weapons ban. Council President Doug Shields has suggested an expiration date on the ordinance, but the Ravenstahl Administration has not included a sunset provision.
A spokesman hinted that if the ban is passed and kept in place, the N-R-A could move its 2011 national convention out of Pittsburgh.
Attorney Meghan Jones-Rolla, who represented the N.R.A. in its suit challenging the city's ordinance to require the reporting of lost or stolen guns, called the proposed G20 ordinance a back door attempt at an assault weapons ban. Council President Doug Shields has suggested an expiration date on the ordinance, but the Ravenstahl Administration has not included a sunset provision.
A spokesman hinted that if the ban is passed and kept in place, the N-R-A could move its 2011 national convention out of Pittsburgh.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
NRA To Appeal Court Decision to Toss Suit
An attorney for the National Rifle Association (NRA) and four PIttsburgh gunowners will appeal an Allegheny County judge's decision to throw out their lawsuit challenging a Pittsburgh lost/stolen gun reporting ordinance.
Judge Stanton Wettick ruled that the NRA and and the individual gun owners lacked standing to bring the suit. Daniel Vice, Senior Attorney at the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, argued in court on behalf of the city of Pittsburgh applauded the judge's decision to toss out what he called a "baseless lawsuit."
Attorney Meghan Jones-Rolla, who represents the NRA and the indvidual gunowners, called the decision "disappointing" but procedural since Judge Wettick did not address the merits of the NRA's case. Jones-Rolla says she feels good about the merits of the case because they are convinced the city of Pittsburgh violated Pennsylvania's Uniform Firearms Act in enacting this ordinance.
In June, Commonwealth Court threw out an NRA suit challenging a similar Philadelphia ordinance again on the matter of standing. But Jones-Rolla contends that the individuals who filed suit in Philadelphia did not have guns stolen whereas one of the Pittsburgh plaintiffs did and therefore should have standing in the Pittsburgh case.
Jones-Rolla says on Friday the NRA filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for allowance to appeal Commonwealth Court's ruling in the Philadelphia case.
Judge Stanton Wettick ruled that the NRA and and the individual gun owners lacked standing to bring the suit. Daniel Vice, Senior Attorney at the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, argued in court on behalf of the city of Pittsburgh applauded the judge's decision to toss out what he called a "baseless lawsuit."
Attorney Meghan Jones-Rolla, who represents the NRA and the indvidual gunowners, called the decision "disappointing" but procedural since Judge Wettick did not address the merits of the NRA's case. Jones-Rolla says she feels good about the merits of the case because they are convinced the city of Pittsburgh violated Pennsylvania's Uniform Firearms Act in enacting this ordinance.
In June, Commonwealth Court threw out an NRA suit challenging a similar Philadelphia ordinance again on the matter of standing. But Jones-Rolla contends that the individuals who filed suit in Philadelphia did not have guns stolen whereas one of the Pittsburgh plaintiffs did and therefore should have standing in the Pittsburgh case.
Jones-Rolla says on Friday the NRA filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for allowance to appeal Commonwealth Court's ruling in the Philadelphia case.
Judge Throws out NRA Suit Against Pittsburgh
Allegheny County Judge Stanton Wettick has tossed out a lawsuit by the National Rifle Association (NRA)against the city of Pittsburgh's lost/stolen gun reporting ordinance. In December, Pittsburgh Council approved and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl allowed the measure to take effect without his signature. The ordinance requires gun owners to report lost or stolen guns within 24 hours of discovery that the guns are missing. The law is intended to reduce "straw purchases," where a person who can legally purchase a gun, does so, then sells or gives the weapon to another person who is not permitted to buy a gun. Then when it's discovered that gun was used in a crime, the original buyer claims it was lost or stolen.
Judge Wettick ruled that the NRA and and the individual gun owners lacked standing to bring the suit. Daniel Vice, Senior Attorney at the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, argued in court on behalf of the city of Pittsburgh. He said the judge rejected the NRA's argument that the ordinance affects law-abiding gun owners. Vice says law-abiding gun owners report stolen weapons because "they don't want someone shot with a gun stolen from their home."
In June, Commonwealth Court threw out an NRA suit challenging a similar Philadelphia ordinance.
Pittsburgh is 1 0f 8 municipalities in the state with lost/stolen gun reporting laws. Vice says he hopes more towns will follow suit but more importantly that Pennsylvania legislators pass a state law.
Judge Wettick ruled that the NRA and and the individual gun owners lacked standing to bring the suit. Daniel Vice, Senior Attorney at the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, argued in court on behalf of the city of Pittsburgh. He said the judge rejected the NRA's argument that the ordinance affects law-abiding gun owners. Vice says law-abiding gun owners report stolen weapons because "they don't want someone shot with a gun stolen from their home."
In June, Commonwealth Court threw out an NRA suit challenging a similar Philadelphia ordinance.
Pittsburgh is 1 0f 8 municipalities in the state with lost/stolen gun reporting laws. Vice says he hopes more towns will follow suit but more importantly that Pennsylvania legislators pass a state law.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
City/Brady Center Respond to NRA Lawsuit
The city of Pittsburgh and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence have filed a response to a lawsuit brought by the National Rifle Association. The NRA is suing the city over an ordinance that mandates gun owners report lost or stolen handguns within 24 hours. The law is meant to prevent the straw purchase of firearms and reduce gun trafficking. Daniel Vice, senior attorney for the Brady Center says they are arguing that the NRA's suit is baseless and have requested it be thrown out. He says the NRA has not proven that that the law impacts the organization and therefore has no merit. The NRA has 20 days to respond.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Brady Center to Aid Pittsburgh Against NRA Lawsuit
The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence will be joining forces with the city's legal team in an effort to fight of a lawsuit filed by the National Rifle Association. At the heart of the matter is whether Pittsburgh overstepped its bounds when it passed an ordinance late last year that mandates gun owners contact the police within 24 hours of the loss or theft of a firearm. Joe Grace of the gun control advocacy group Cease Fire Pennsylvania says Harrisburg has left local leaders with little choice because they have failed to enact gun reform legislation on a statewide level. City council member Doug Shields says the point of the legislation is to reduce straw purchases, where a person with a clean record buys guns for others to use in criminal activity. But the NRA believes the law is beyond city council's authority--as did mayor Luke Ravenstahl when he declined to sign the legislation. The Brady Center, a national organization is experienced in opposing the NRA and will send lawyers, pro bono, to help defend the gun reform ordinance.
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