Monday, Sept. 12, 2016 | 2 a.m.
View more of the Sun's opinion section
View more of the Sun's opinion section
Recently, the Secretary of State’s Office released ballot language for the statewide ballot initiatives. As a longtime gun owner and a military veteran, I was looking forward to reading the specifics regarding Question 1.
Question 1 would require background checks on all firearms sales and transfers in our state, except under certain well-defined circumstances. I am a law-abiding gun owner who has always legally purchased his firearms from a licensed seller, so this initiative will in no way restrict or change the way I purchase my firearms. This initiative would stop the unregulated sale of firearms to unqualified buyers.
The gun lobby has been spreading fear for months that this law would somehow restrict law-abiding citizens and create cause for their arrest. It also claims that this initiative would destroy the Second Amendment and lead to onerous regulations.
I have read the ballot language. Law-abiding gun owners like myself have nothing to fear. In fact, this law would strengthen the Second Amendment by protecting the rights of legal gun owners and making it more difficult for criminals to purchase firearms. The Secretary of State’s Office explicitly outlines the well-defined exemptions written into Question 1.
a) Hunting with a friend? No background check required.
b) Shooting at the range with a friend? No background check required.
c) Gifting a firearm to a child or grandchild — or just about any family member, for that matter? No background check required.
Purchasing a firearm online, or at a gun show? Background check required. Just like any other legal firearm transfer.
Why is the gun lobby so dedicated to protecting the rights of criminals and unqualified gun purchasers? Why should criminals and unqualified gun purchasers have the same access to firearms as law-abiding citizens and veterans?
I will be voting yes on Question 1. I urge all Nevadans to do the same.
