The Wyoming chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, released the following statement after the Wyoming Senate passed SF 102, legislation which would prevent the enforcement of federal gun safety laws, including the laws that prohibit people with dangerous histories from having firearms. The bill will punish local officials for doing their jobs and prevent them from taking action to keep our communities safe.
“It’s unnerving that a bill with opposition from all sides continues to take up oxygen during this short legislative session,” said Beth Howard, a volunteer leader with the Wyoming chapter of Moms Demand Action. “Not only were our testimonies disregarded, the legislature continues to ignore gun owners and gun violence survivors about the importance of stopping this legislation. We don’t need our local officials punished for doing their jobs – they have enough to deal with as it is.”
This session, volunteers have been unable to testify. Many were ignored in person and online despite raising their hands and moving to the front of the room. Nullification bills have led to backlash by law enforcement in the past. According to the Cowboy State Daily, Wyoming Gun Owners said the bill is “horrific and treacherous” and pushed by the worst people in the legislature. Last session, Moms Demand Action volunteers and supporters testified, sent emails and texts, and tweeted at lawmakers to fight legislation to nullify federal gun safety laws. Volunteers were joined in opposition by teachers, law enforcement, and public safety experts. This year, volunteers are prepared to do the same thing to fight this dangerous legislation.
Wyoming has some of the weakest gun laws in the country, scoring 6 out of 100 for gun law strength, and has the third-highest rate of gun deaths in the country. The state also has the second-highest household firearm ownership. Despite Wyoming’s gun violence rates increasing 54% in the last decade, state lawmakers continue to ignore gun safety measures.
Statistics about gun violence in Wyoming are available here, and Everytown’s Gun Law Navigator – which shows how Wyoming gun laws compare to those of other states – is available here.