Ad, Homepage Takeover Urge Gov. Fallin to Protect Public Safety
SB 1212 Would Make It Legal for Oklahoma Residents to Carry a Hidden, Loaded Handgun in Public Without Getting a Permit, Passing a Background Check or Completing Gun Safety Training
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund today announced the release of a full-page advertisement and online homepage takeover of The Oklahoman urging Governor Mary Fallin to veto SB 1212. This dangerous bill would dismantle Oklahoma’s permitting standards by allowing people to carry a hidden, loaded handgun in public without getting a permit, passing a background check or completing gun safety training.
The homepage takeover and full page ad follow polling that shows 81 percent of Oklahomans oppose permitless carry. Additionally, both emphasize that businesses, colleges and universities, and law enforcement officials in the Sooner State oppose permitless carry.
In Oklahoma right now, someone with a lengthy misdemeanor criminal record, or someone who has been convicted of violent crimes such as assault, is not eligible for a permit to carry a handgun in public. But under SB 1212, it would be easy for these people, and other people with dangerous histories, to carry concealed, loaded handguns in public. More information about the impact of permitless carry policies – including an association with increases in firearm violence – is available here.
STATEMENT FROM CHRISTINE JACKSON, VOLUNTEER WITH THE OKLAHOMA CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“This bill puts public safety at risk by making it easy for people with dangerous histories to be armed in public. Our legislature has shown it is willing to jeopardize our safety and bow to the demands of the gun lobby. We cannot stress enough the urgent need for Governor Fallin to listen to her constituents and veto this reckless bill immediately in order to help keep Oklahomans safe.”
The Action Fund and Moms Demand Action are both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the country’s largest gun violence prevention organization.