(New York, NY) New Yorkers Against Gun Violence submitted written testimony to a U.S. Senate Subcommittee for its hearing scheduled for today on the impact of “Stand Your Ground” laws, also known as “Shoot First” laws.
There is no “Stand Your Ground” law in New York and no bill is pending, but NYAGV is concerned with proposals for a federal concealed carry (CCW) reciprocity law that would allow gun owners with conceal carry permits from states with “Stand Your Ground” laws to legally bring and use guns in New York. Concealed carry “mixed with the cultural values based on ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws could, for example, permit a Floridian to enter busy Times Square not only with a gun at his hip, but with an attitude that if he feels afraid – even if his fear ultimately turns out to be mistaken and based on prejudice or bias – then he will be justified to ‘shoot first’,” stated Leah Gunn Barrett, NYAGV Executive Director. “A person cannot pack his gun without also carrying along his cultural norms, fears and prejudices. National Concealed Carry Reciprocity would put at risk the safety of all New Yorkers,” she added.
The written testimony expresses NYAGV’s concern that “so many states have adopted the poor prescription of preventing gun violence by wedding ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws with liberal concealed carry access” instead of implementing common sense laws – such as universal background checks – that would prevent gun violence. New York’s strong gun laws, including the NY SAFE Act have contributed to New York City being the safest city in the nation, but gun crime remains a problem as evidenced by the fact that 90% of crime guns recovered in New York City come from other states, mainly from those with weak gun safety laws.
The hearings on Tuesday, October 29th will take place before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, chaired by Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). The hearings were postponed from mid September after the shootings at the Washington Navy Yard.
About New Yorkers Against Gun Violence
New Yorkers Against Gun VIolence (NYAGV) is a statewide advocacy group working to reduce gun violence through advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change. With a primary focus on New York State, the organization also advocates at the local and national levels for sensible gun laws, policies and practices that protect New York state residents from gun violence.
