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Local “Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America” Group Heads To Nashville Over Gun Laws

The local chapter of a national organization is fighting for gun sense laws in Tennessee.
Local “Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America” Group Heads To Nashville Over Gun Laws

The local chapter of a national organization is fighting for gun sense laws in Tennessee.

Nearly 100 Shelby County members with Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America are leaving for Nashville Wednesday morning to fight several possible new laws.

Members of Moms Demand Action say they want everybody to know that they are not an anti-gun group. They’re an anti-gun violence group. They don’t want weapons to end up in the wrong hands. And they want those who break the law to face justice.

“I want responsible gun owners in Tennessee to have the training that I think my children deserve before we go into public spaces,” says Kat McRitchie. “We want to find common ground solutions that all Americans can support in order to ensure public safety. Our gun violence rate is at an epidemic in this country. Americans are 25 times more likely than citizens in other countries to die as a result of gun violence, and that’s not okay with me.”

McRitchie is passionate about gun violence protection. That’s why she’s one of nearly 500 members with the Tennessee chapter of Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense In America.

McRitchie says building common ground is the group’s goal. Nearly 100 members are heading to Nashville Wednesday to meet with lawmakers to fight for what they want, and don’t want. They’re opposed to a bill that would reduce the current requirements a person needs to get a concealed-carry permit in Tennessee.

“Currently in Tennessee, in order to get a concealed carry permit, there’s 8 hours of training required, including passing a written test about gun safety, storage, and responsibility. And also, a live fire where you practice that you can affectively shoot a firearm,” says McRitchie.

A second bill members oppose would reduce the penalty for someone who’s caught carrying a gun without a permit.

“Right now, it’s like a $500 and jail time. And this would drop it down to be like a traffic citation,” says McRitchie

Moms Demand Action members also oppose changing Tennessee’s “Stand Your Ground” law. The new law would limit authorities investigating a shooting to determine if it was self-defense. Members say they support and trust law enforcement officers, and the law should stay as-is.

They also plan to fight arming teachers with guns.

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