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Gun Control
Summary of Policy and Recommendations
- Recognizing that the culture of guns and violence is pervasive among extremists, ADL recently reaffirmed its long-standing position advocating the adoption of federal and state initiatives designed to make it more difficult for children as well as extremists to acquire and use guns and other dangerous weapons.
- The federal government and the states should recognize the importance of maintaining bans on the use or caching of weapons by domestic extremists.
- The federal government and the states should ensure that common sense restrictions on firearms in schools and government buildings continue.
Background
The Anti-Defamation League has been an advocate for strong, effective and sensible gun control legislation. Since 1967, the League has favored “expanded federal and state regulation of the sale and transfer of firearms and other dangerous weapons.” Unfortunately, we have sadly witnessed the tragic dangers guns present. Across the country in schools, businesses and houses of worship, individuals have used guns to terrorize communities and local institutions. ADL firmly believes that one way to limit the power of extremists and reduce violence in our communities is to enact tough, effective gun control legislation.
Recognizing that the culture of guns and violence is pervasive among extremists, ADL recently reaffirmed its long-standing position advocating the adoption of federal and state initiatives designed to make it more difficult for children as well as extremists to acquire and use guns and other dangerous weapons. Although the 2008 decision of the Supreme Court, in District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. ___ (2008), protects an individual's right to bear a firearm, the Court was clear that government may prohibit the possession of guns in schools, place “conditions and qualifications” on their commercial sale, and restrict ownership of “dangerous and unusual weapons,” such as automatic weapons. The federal government and the states should recognize the importance of maintaining bans on the use or caching of weapons by domestic extremists. In addition, the federal government and the states should ensure that common-sense restrictions on firearms in schools and government buildings continue.
In short, making it more difficult to obtain firearms – through mechanisms such as increased waiting periods, limitations on purchases, and promoting stricter gun safety, licensing, and registration laws – will help safeguard our communities and check extremism without violating the Second Amendment or any other constitutional rights.
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