A frequent and growing concern of advocates for victims of domestic violence is allowing a person convicted of domestic battery to possess a firearm.
To address this concern, many states are enacting legislation to prohibit people convicted of either a domestic battery felony or misdemeanor offence from owning a firearm.
Courageous members of the Arkansas state legislature recently introduced a bill -- HB 1629 -- that would have made a domestic incident misdemeanor conviction grounds for making it illegal for the convicted person to own or possess a firearm.
Passage of the bill would also have brought Arkansas in line with federal law.
These courageous lawmakers -- and their collegaues -- faced a furious reaction and pushback from the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Using bullying and intimidation tactics, the NRA went all out to ensure the defeat of a bill intended to protect victims of domestic violence. When a floor vote was take in the Arkansas House of Representatives on March 27, the bill was defeated with 31 members voting for, and 46 against.
Shockingly -- and in an unprcedented act of cowardice, 23 members chose NOT TO VOTE AT ALL. On this critical bill, 23 Arkansas lawmakers refused to step up, instead caving to outside pressure. Rather than do the right thing, these 23 legislators cowered in their offices and corridors.
Please join me in demanding that this legislation be reintroduced into the Arkansas Assembly -- and members be allowed to vote their conscience without fear or favor from powerful outside interest groups. Lives are at stake.
