I am a gun owner and hunter. I support further safe gun legislation in Maine. I am not threatened in any way by these laws, which will cut down on the use of guns in cases of suicide, domestic violence, mass shootings and other crimes. I believe that most responsible gun owners support this but have an unfounded fear of it leading to the eventual elimination of gun ownership. It is a shame that this fear is promulgated by the gun manufacturers and groups like the NRA.

I support the 72-hour rule. The wait time allows people intending to purchase a gun additional time to think about their decision and any actions they were planning with the gun. This is especially critical in preventing suicide by gun. I support mandatory background checks for all gun purchases. This will deter the illegal purchases of guns.

I support Extreme Risk Protection Orders that limit gun possession for reasons of mental health. These laws allow for the removal of guns from persons whose mental state may be a danger to themselves and to others.

I support the elimination of the sale of military style semi-automatic assault weapons. Although these weapons are lightweight and are attractive to hunters for that reason, they do not eliminate the ability to hunt with a different style weapon of the same caliber.

None of the above legislation hinders me as a responsible, safe gun owner from purchasing and owning guns.

 

Brian Sterner

Stockton Springs

member, The Gun Safety Work Group at The First Church in Belfast

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