Vermonters vs. Vermonters
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- Created on Wednesday, 11 February 2015 15:59
- Written by Cassandra Bernier
MONTPELIER- Lawmakers have heard the side of numerous Vermonters about the proposed gun bill that has been introduced. With both sides filling the State House last night to speak to the Senate Judiciary and Health and Welfare Committee, it was not hard to pick out who was for the bill and who was against it, not only by the testimonies given, but also the colors that were worn.
The people that wore orange are against the gun bill, the ones that wore green are for it. The color orange far out numbered the green, but that did not mean that both sides were not heard.
Sixty-five people signed up to speak against the bill and only forty-three for it. Each person could only testify for two minutes in front of the hundreds of Vermonters and ten members of the Judiciary and Health and Welfare Committee.
People for the bill had arguments including domestic violence and living in fear. Those against the bill argued that having a gun would make them more safe rather than having a piece of paper.
The bill was introduced by three Democratic senators; Senator John Campbell, Senator Philip Baruth, and Senator Claire Ayer.
The bill would prohibit a person convicted of a violent crime from possessing a firearm. It would also require a criminal background check to be done before a private gun sale. The last component of the bill requires the Court Administrator to report to the National Instant Criminal Background check system if the person has a mental illness and is a threat to themselves or others.
Vermont's Governor, Peter Shumlin, opposes the bill. Being a life-long hunter he says, "I think it is a result of years and years of Vermonters respecting guns as a tool to manage wildlife and to put food on the table. That's what motivates us to own a gun. It's not necessarily what motivates someone who lives in Manhattan to own a gun."
Both sides will be considered when it comes time for voting on the bill.
