Convicted domestic abusers to be banned from owning guns in New York state
Convicted perpetrators of domestic violence will no longer be able to purchase or own guns in the state New York under new legislation.
The measure, which has been introduced under the 2018 Women’s Agenda, has been passed by an overwhelming majority of 85-32 in the State Assembly and 41-19 in the State Senate.
“New York is once again leading the way to prevent gun violence, and with this common-sense reform, break the inextricable link between gun violence and domestic violence,” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
“This legislation builds on our gun laws ― already the strongest in the nation ― to make New York safer and stronger.”
In a 2017 report, firearms were used in 54 percent of all female homicides, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cuomo also commented on the fact that since the rise up against gun violence after the Parkland shooting, the Trump administration has “failed” to respond to the movement towards gun prevention legislation, stating that it is “unconscionable”.
“The recent wave of mass shootings is horrifying, and the federal government’s failure to act on any form of meaningful gun safety laws is unconscionable,” he added.
The 2018 Women’s Agenda will also see the state hopes to introduce legislation such as the Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act, which will enact regulations that ensure access to cost-free
contraception.
“New York State is serious about changing a culture that enables sexism and violence against women.
“As the birthplace of the women’s rights movement, New York just marked the centennial of women’s suffrage and we are using this moment to bring about our vision of a world where women’s and men’s lives and potential are equally valued,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Chair of the New York Women’s Suffrage Commission.
And according to a 2017 report from NPR, 54 percent of mass shootings between 2009 and 2016 were carried out by someone who had previously committed violence against an intimate partner.
The majority of mass shootings, defined as four or more people being fatally shot, involve domestic violence, reports Huffington Post.