State Passes Law Stopping Convicted Stalkers And Domestic Abusers From Buying Or Keeping Guns

Last month’s mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida has set off a recent shift in policy across the country when it comes to gun sales and gun laws. Both Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods has changed its policies in regards to the sale of firearms, and now the state of Oregon has made a shift in law to protect anyone in a relationship with someone convicted of domestic violence or stalking.

Yesterday, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed into law a new gun safety legislation that expands on an existing law that kept married couples who have a domestic violence or stalking conviction from buying and keeping guns. In closing what many called “the boyfriend loophole,” the law now includes any and all intimate partners.

"We will not be a statistic!"

Powerful words from students at the State Capitol today, advocating for the importance of continued action to end #gunviolence and the steps they would like to see the state take to improve school safety. pic.twitter.com/loUmDntXig

— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) March 5, 2018

During a public address, Gov. Brown had this to say:

“I’m proud to sign this bill, making Oregon the first state to take action to prevent senseless gun violence since the tragedy in Parkland, Florida.

Today marks an important milestone, but we know we have more to do.

It’s long past time we hold the White House and Congress accountable. Now’s the time to enact real change and federal gun safety legislation.”