Group starts petition to close loopholes in background checks
LAS VEGAS — Nevadans for Background Checks today launched a statewide signature gathering effort for the Background Check Initiative, a ballot measure that would help keep guns out of the hands of felons, domestic abusers and the severely mentally ill by closing dangerous loopholes in Nevada state law.
During an event held at Victory Missionary Baptist Church in Las Vegas, law enforcement, clergy, and other community leaders today became the first to sign a petition to place the Background Check Initiative on the November 2016 ballot. Over the next few months, Nevadans for Background Checks will lead an effort to gather more than 100,000 signatures from throughout the state.
Right now, federal law requires background checks on gun sales at licensed dealers; but guns can be legally purchased from unlicensed sellers—online, at gun shows and even from strangers in parking lots—without any background check, no questions asked. The Background Check Initiative creates a level playing field where all gun sellers must follow the same set of rules, making sure everyone undergoes the same background check when buying a gun.
According to Dr. Robert E. Fowler, pastor of the Victory Missionary Baptist Church, public safety goes hand in hand with community betterment and creating safe and healthy places. “We are confident those from the various religious communities in Nevada will embrace this common sense approach to reducing gun violence,” Dr. Fowler said. “Nearly every day there is a shooting in our communities, so the need to take action is immediate. We are proud to support Nevadans for Background Checks and invite other churches and people of faith to join us in supporting this important initiative.”
http://www.elynews.com/2014/08/22/group-starts-petition-close-loopholes-background-checks/
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