Fighting the Fight: Gun Control in Kentucky

Kentucky has some of the weakest gun laws in the nation.  On the Brady Campaign's 100-point scale, Kentucky gets a ... 2.  Not twenty. Two.

That might discourage some people from even trying to inject some reality into Kentucky statutes. But for three Kentucky lawmakers, it's a challenge and an opportunity.

Jack Brammer at the Herald:

In the aftermath of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, a trio of liberal Kentucky lawmakers unveiled a wide-ranging gun control bill Thursday.

The measure, among other things, would repeal a controversial state law that bars local governments from regulating guns. It also would prohibit guns on college campuses and require background checks for private gun sales to close the so-called "gun-show loophole."

It is competing against several pro-gun measures that already have been introduced in this year's General Assembly. They include House Bill 168, sponsored by Rep. Bob Damron, D-Nicholasville, which states that Kentucky would not recognize federal statutes and regulations that deny or abridge the right to keep and bear arms.

SNIP

The gun-control measure was unveiled in a Capitol news conference that attracted about 50 proponents. Some wore shirts that carried the names of gun victims.

"A growing number of people are seeking sensible changes to keep children safe and protect citizens in light of the mass murder of schoolchildren in Newtown, Conn.," said Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville.

He was joined by Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, D-Louisville, and Sen. Kathy Stein, D-Lexington. The lawmakers plan to file identical legislation in the House and Senate.

The legislators acknowledged that the proposal will meet stiff resistance from many of their colleagues, but they said they look forward to starting a debate on the issue.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/02/07/2506973/group-of-liberal-lawmakers-propose.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/02/07/2506973/group-of-liberal-lawmakers-propose.html#storylink=cpy

Granted, Wayne, Marzian and Stein represent liberal districts whose constituents will applaud the measure, so they risk little electorally.

It's the "starting a debate" part that's risky - but essential.