Colorado bill would allow some felons the right to possess guns

[Redfairen]

While some Colorado lawmakers are trying to limit who is able to possess guns, one is attempting to make it easier for a specific group to get them — criminals, or at least the nonviolent ones.

State Rep. Perry Buck, R-Windsor, has introduced a bill which would allow some felons to once again possess a firearm, as long as their crimes were not violent felonies or other crimes such as burglary, arson or those involving the use of force.

"They will be allowed to have their constitutional right back," Buck said. "There is a big difference between an income-tax felon and a homicide felon."

"Nonviolent felons are no more likely to commit a violent act in the future than non-felons are, so it is irresponsible to prohibit people from being able to protect their homes or hunt or other legal and good uses for firearms when there is no evidence to suggest that they are going to commit a violent act in the future," he said.

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_22428465

[2pooped2pop]

1. I agree

Still don't want them out on my streets or places I go, but I don't think a felony that is non violent should be the reason a person can't own a gun.

Stealing a pack of cigarettes can be a felony.

[tularetom]

2. Do we really believe a prison sentence is "paying one's debt to society"?

If we do then completion of a term in prison should be accompanied with full restoration of all rights as a citizen including possession of firearms and the right to vote.

We're actually pretty hypocritical on this issue.

[LiberalFighter]

3. Is this because so many of their Republican friends have felonies?

Personally, I agree that when a person serves their time it should be restored. There might be exceptions to that like murderers, probably drug dealers too.