Joint Statement From Granite State Progress and Stop Handgun Violence:
Concord, NH- New Hampshire House of Representatives refused to take a commonsense step today when they failed to approve background checks for all commercially-marketed private gun sales.
“For years, New Hampshire has allowed guns to be sold by private dealers without a background check or even proof of ID at gun shows, online and at flea markets. As a result it has been a major crime gun source state for states with stronger gun laws, like Massachusetts and New York,” said John Rosenthal, founder of Stop Handgun Violence. “New Hampshire’s failure to take this first step to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, terrorists and other prohibited persons is dangerous, irresponsible and will continue to result in many more preventable gun deaths in Massachusetts and underscores the need for stronger gun laws nationally.”
Granite State Progress lobbied in support of the bill. Members of the group attended the vote that ultimately lead to the bill being voted down, including their executive director, Zandra Rice-Hawkins. “We applaud the State Representatives who stood by the 89 percent of Granite Staters who support criminal background checks,” said Zandra Rice-Hawkins. “While the final vote was disappointing, the earlier votes demonstrated strong support in the New Hampshire House to pass a background checks bill. Granite State Progress is committed to reducing gun violence in our communities and improving public safety. We will use today’s vote to further our cause.”
Stop Handgun Violence is a non-profit organization committed to the prevention of gun violence through education, public awareness, effective law enforcement and common sense gun laws. The organization does not seek to restrict Constitutional rights, but advocates only for common sense legislation that will help save lives. For more information, go to www.stophandgunviolence.org.
Granite State Progress works to engage citizens from across the state around issues of immediate state or local concern. Their mission is to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. For more information, go to http://www.granitestateprogress.org.