NRA Opposes Attempt to Block New Jersey Gun Law Reforms

Fairfax, Va.— The National Rifle Association today voiced strong opposition to SCR 101, a gun-control measure designed to block Governor Christie’s efforts to prevent deaths like those of domestic violence victim Carol Bowne. Introduced by New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Weinberg and Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald, SCR 101 jeopardizes the safety of law-abiding citizens by restricting their constitutional right to self-protection.

“It’s unfortunate that Majority leaders Weinberg and Greenwald refuse to recognize that the policies they’re promoting have led to the deaths of countless victims like Carol Bowne. Governor Christie’s reforms don’t put guns in the hands of dangerous criminals, they merely ease existing restrictions on law-abiding citizens who wish to exercise their constitutional right to self-protection. It’s outrageous that anti-gun politicians would seek to jeopardize the lives of victims of domestic abuse to further their gun-control agenda,” said NRA spokesman Lars Dalseide.

The Governor’s reforms focus on three things; allowing for reasonable deviation when transporting firearms, putting an end to the rampant delays in processing permit applications, and granting those permits to people with a “justifiable need” – people like Carol Bowne.

After filing a restraining order against an old boyfriend, Bowne applied for a permit to purchase a firearm. She checked on the status of her application 40 days later and learned it was still being processed. Three days later she was stabbed to death in her driveway by that same old boyfriend.

“SCR 101 prohibits the adoption of Governor Christie’s reforms. It doesn’t put bad guys in jail or save any lives, it just says no to making it easier to protect yourself. I don’t see how any reasonable politician could be against saving lives,” Dalseide concluded.

Learn more about the tragic story of Carol Bowne.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.