Permitless Carry Is an Incredibly Dangerous Policy That Is Opposed by 81 Percent of Oklahomans
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Oklahoma chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following response after the Oklahoma Senate passed HB 2597, which would allow people to carry loaded handguns in public without getting a permit, passing a background check or completing gun safety training. The bill now heads to Governor Stitt for his signature or veto.
“There is absolutely no denying that permitless carry is dangerous. In states that have passed this reckless policy, gun assaults are on the rise. That is why a majority of Oklahomans oppose permitless carry,” said Christine Jackson, volunteer leader with the Oklahoma chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “For the safety of our families, we are begging Gov. Stitt to veto this reckless bill.”
States that have enacted permitless carry laws have seen a substantial increase in firearm violence, which is why 81 percent of voters in Oklahoma oppose permitless carry. Over the past few weeks, lawmakers have heard from people around the state who oppose this policy:
This morning, Frank Shurden, who served in the Oklahoma House and Senate for almost 30 years and was named “legislator of the century” by the Oklahoma Rifle Association, said permitless carry “really concerns” him.
Yesterday, over 100 Moms Demand Action volunteers met with lawmakers and urged them to oppose permitless carry.
Earlier this month, Moms Demand Action volunteers delivered a petition against the bill to leaders in the Senate which was signed by nearly 4,500 Oklahomans.
Faith leaders also expressed strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it is “not legislation intended for the common good.”
Lawmakers have also been urged to reject this bill by the Tulsa World and Muskogee Phoenix editorial boards.
