Now is the time for action

As an Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America volunteer in Rhode Island, I believe that now is the time to pass common-sense gun safety bills.

Numerous common-sense gun safety bills have been introduced by members of the General Assembly this legislative session that would keep Rhode Islanders safe from gun violence while preserving their right to bear arms for self-defense. These bills would promote responsible gun ownership, help prevent illegal gun trafficking, keep our schools safe, and limit the availability of dangerous assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

They are supported by most of our legislators, our General Officers, and many of our top law enforcement officials. They must be brought to the floor for a vote this session -- we need and deserve action to keep us safe.

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, opponents of common-sense gun safety laws constantly argue that their constitutional rights are under attack. They state that the passage of these laws would prevent them from defending themselves and their families. They argue that they would not comply with the laws, if passed.

Advocates of common-sense gun safety laws are interested in only one thing: preventing gun violence. Many of those “small but noisy group” of advocates are also gun owners who feel that the firearms industry and the NRA have failed to take effective actions to address the plague of gun violence in our country. You can see the results of their inaction in the headlines every week. Gun safety advocates do not feel that more guns in our community are the answer to our nation’s gun violence epidemic.

We have elected our state legislators to pass laws for the common good of all Rhode Islanders. Let us bring these bills to a vote and make Rhode Island a safer place to live.