Missouri Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond to Gov. Parson’s Backpedaling on Preventing Domestic Abusers From Having Guns

Governor Says He Can’t Support A Red Flag Bill, But Has Yet To Explain His Apparent Reversal on a Separate Policy To Limit Domestic Abusers’ Access To Guns

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today responded to Gov. Parson’s apparent reversal of his support for legislation that would help keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.

In November, the Associated Press quoted the governor as saying that ensuring domestic abusers don’t have easy access to guns is “commonsense” and “doable.” “I’m optimistic we’ll get it done,” he said then. But reports this week suggest he has reversed his position. According to the Kansas City Star, “He never supported any gun reform, he told St. Louis Public Radio. ‘One of the things me and the mayors agreed on was that we weren’t gonna talk about gun control to speak of,’ Parson said.” 

The proposed measure to prohibit domestic abusers in Missouri from having firearms is not the same as a red flag bill, which would create an Extreme Risk law. Parson told St. Louis Public radio that he doesn’t support red flag laws, but he has yet to explain why he apparently no longer supports legislation to keep guns out of the hands of abusers.

“Just two years ago, Kansas lawmakers passed domestic violence prevention legislation by a combined vote of 153 to 6 — and there is no good reason Missouri’s lawmakers can’t pass a similar bill here. But we need leadership from the top,” said Scott Randolph, a volunteer with Missouri Moms Demand Action. “While we welcome the governor’s openness to helping cities fight gun violence, we’re disappointed he hasn’t backed reasonable, lifesaving reforms that will close deadly gaps in our gun laws — reforms that have received strong bipartisan support in other states.  Gun violence is a serious issue that kills over 1,000 Missourians every year — the eighth highest rate of gun deaths in the country. We were optimistic when the Governor agreed in November that domestic abusers should not have access to guns — a commonsense policy that respects the rights of Missourians while protecting women and children from deadly gun violence.”

The proposed measure to prohibit domestic abusers in Missouri from having firearms is not the same as a red flag bill, which would create an Extreme Risk law. Information on proposals to prevent intimate partner gun violence is available here and to speak with a policy expert on the difference between these gun safety policies, please reach out.