Gun rights are a controversial subject here in the United States, and Michigan is no different. Where you stand on the political spectrum often indicates where you stand on the issue of gun rights and firearm freedoms. But a new bill introduced last month in Washington which would make background checks mandatory for almost all commercial and private firearm purchases, is receiving support from BOTH sides of the political divide.
Both Republicans and Democrats within Michigan’s congressional delegation have spoken up in favor of H.R.8 – the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019. The bill, if passed, would close a significant hole in current law that allows people to skip background checks when purchasing firearms through private sellers, like online dealers and gun shows.
Will it change anything for legal buyers in Michigan?
Republican Representative Fred Upton, is one of the original co-sponsors of the bill, and he’s certain that it doesn’t violate anyone’s rights. “This doesn’t take away the legitimate rights of folks who want to own firearms,” Upton explained. “Background checks are something I’ve always supported, and I think it closes some loopholes that got to be pretty glaring.”
But the National Rifle Association is fiercely opposing the legislation. In a statement made to the media in response to this most recent piece of legislation, they point out that “so-called universal background checks will never be universal because criminals do not comply with the law.” The NRA goes on to say that instead of looking for effective solutions to deal with the root cause of violent crime, “anti-gun” politicians are only supporting this bill to score political points.
Would this legislation make Michigan safer?
This is a hard question to answer, as people on both sides of the argument make valid points. Those who support the legislation say that the bill would help keep felons, domestic abusers and people with mental-health issues from owning guns. As Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell points out, “You have to start someplace. If we can keep guns out of one person’s hands who shouldn’t have them, we should be doing it.”
But those who don’t support the bill say it won’t do anything to make life safer for anyone. Rep. Tim Walberg says it would be nothing more than “more gun laws” that don’t respect the Constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. Critics also pointed out that suspects in a number of mass shootings around the U.S. had cleared background checks. Opponents of the bill also point out that cities with the toughest gun control restrictions have the highest crime and murder rates. They point to Chicago and Washington, DC as prime examples of that.
Protect your firearm rights in Michigan!
Being convicted of a crime in Michigan can mean losing the right to own or carry a gun. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that, if you’re ever accused of a crime, you have to get the best possible defense attorney available to fight for your freedom. That’s what we do here at The Kronzek Firm – we aggressively pursue every option on our client’s behalf, to defend their rights and protect their future. We’re reachable around the clock at 866 766 5245 (866 7No Jail). Call us today and discuss your situation with one of the best criminal defense attorneys.