Nashville, TN – The Tennessee chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today condemned the passage of House Bill 995, legislation that would force all Tennessee towns and cities to allow guns in their parks and recreation areas. HB 995 would eliminate local officials’ authority to make public safety decisions aimed at protecting Tennessee’s families and children from gun violence.
STATEMENT FROM KATHLEEN CHANDLER WRIGHT, A VOLUNTEER WITH THE TENNESSEE CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION:
“Like all parents, my top priority is my children’s and family’s safety. Our local leaders know what’s best when it comes to protecting the communities they serve, and I trust them to make important public safety decisions that will keep us all safer. HB 995 would remove their ability to decide how to protect the parks and playgrounds where our children play. No parent should ever have to wonder whether someone standing next to the swing set is carrying a loaded weapon. By completely removing local authority to set public safety policies, HB 995 would cause problems for schools that hold after-school activities or sporting events in public parks. It’s time for our legislators in the Senate – and Governor Haslam if it reaches his desk – to stand up for the safety of our children and reject this dangerous piece of legislation.”
