Guns cause well over half of all homicides. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 11,208 firearms-related deaths in 2013, out of a total of 16,121 deaths by homicide. Gang violence is a constant problem, and mass shootings make headlines with increasing frequency. Current gun laws have not proven sufficient to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands -- with deadly results.
A permit to purchase guns could put a big dent in the problem. A long-term study shows that Connecticut's 1995 law requiring a permit to purchase handguns, in addition to passing a background check, was associated with a 40 percent drop in the state's firearm-related homicide rate. Implementing that law on a national level is likely to have similar results.
The current system clearly isn't working. Please sign the petition to urge U.S. legislators to implement a "permit to purchase" for gun purchases!
As you know, guns cause well over half of all homicides. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 11,208 firearms-related deaths in 2013, out of a total of 16,121 deaths by homicide. Gang violence is a constant problem, and mass shootings make headlines with increasing frequency. Current gun laws have not proven sufficient to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands -- with deadly results.
A permit to purchase guns could put a big dent in the problem. A long-term study shows that Connecticut's 1995 law requiring a permit to purchase handguns, in addition to passing a background check, was associated with a 40 percent drop in the state's firearm-related homicide rate. Implementing that law on a national level is likely to have similar results.
We believe it is crucial to prevent as many firearms deaths as possible. In light of this, we respectfully urge you to implement a "permit to purchase" for gun purchases. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
