Rally to Prevent Gun Violence in Annapolis

March 1, 2013 - Annapolis Maryland. A rally organized on Lawyers Mall in the state capital by Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence was organized for thr supporters of SB281 Firearm Safety Act of 2013. This bill was introduced at the encouragement of Governor Martin O'Malley.

This bill will:
 
1. Require a license to purchase a handgun with appropriate age restrictions, mandatory safety training and fingerprinting, in addition to the current background check done by the Maryland State Police.  Research indicates that a license-to-purchase requirement is associated with significantly lower levels of intrastate gun trafficking. A license to purchase would not be required for hunting rifles and shotguns.
Seven states now require fingerprinting before a firearm purchase: California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.
Feb. 20, 2013 poll shows that 81% of Maryland voters support the licensing of purchase of handguns. Read more.

2. Limit Magazine Capacity to 10 Rounds.  Maryland currently allows up to 20 rounds per magazine.  The proposed legislation would reduce the allowable magazine capacity from 20 rounds to 10.

3. Ban Military-Style Assault Weapons designed to kill and inflict the maximum amount of human carnage.  Maryland currently bans only 15 enumerated assault pistols, but allows for the sale and possession of high-capacity, military weapons designed to kill.  MPGV supports efforts to ban these assault weapons that are designed for the battlefield and have no place in our society.
4. Provide the Maryland State Police with the authority to regulate firearm dealers and require that a licensed dealer keep records of all receipts, sales, and other dispositions of firearms affected in connection with the dealer’s business.

The rally was put together by organizer Vincent (bka "Vinny") DeMarco is a long time advocate for public health causes including reducing teen smoking and gun violence and expanding health care access.