Bloomberg Lauds Michigan Decision In Favor Of Background Checks For Guns
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Mayor Michael Bloomberg lauded a decision in Michigan Wednesday that rejected a proposal to allow people to buy handguns without undergoing criminal background checks.
In Lansing, Mich., Wednesday, the Michigan State Senate voted 27-11 for a substitute bill that makes it easier for people to apply for gun permits, but retains the background check requirement.
The state House earlier approved a National Rifle Association-backed bill to repeal the requirement to undergo a check before buying a handgun. Federal law requires checks before buying guns from licensed dealers but not for private sales.
Bloomberg, who co-chairs the group Mayors Against Illegal Guns, said Michigan residents could be proud of their lawmakers.
"It's amazing that the Washington gun lobby thought they could give marching orders to Lansing, but they almost succeeded," Mayor Bloomberg said in a news release. "Governor (Rick) Snyder and the Senate stood up against enormous pressure to keep Michigan safe – and I join the ten Michigan mayors in our coalition in saying 'way to go.'"
The state House earlier approved a bill to repeal the requirement to undergo a check before buying a handgun. Federal law requires checks before buying guns from licensed dealers but not for private sales.
The NRA says the bill falls short of its goals and says it will keep working to end Michigan's background checks in the Legislature's 2013 session.
The Michigan decision came the day after a concealed weapons ban in nearby Illinois was tossed by the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago. The decision gives that state six months to pass a law that would allow ordinary citizens to carry weapons.
The State of New York requires permits, licensing and registration, as well as background checks for handgun possession, but concealed carry permits are issued.
New York City has a complex and rigorous application process for handgun ownership, which requires applicants to list their residences and places of employment over the next five years, turn in two affidavits, find someone to commit in writing to taking charge of the applicant's weapons if he or she dies, and pay $431.50 in fees, according to CityLimits.org.
Further, New York is a "may issue" state, in which local officials can decide whether or not an applicant will receive a handgun based on their character and fitness, CityLimits.org reported.
Bloomberg has made a name for himself as an ardent supporter of gun control.
Do you agree with Bloomberg's take on the Michigan gun control decision? Leave your comments below...
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