Tell Congress to Support the Assault Weapons Ban and Stronger Accountability for Gun Manufacturers

In June, you mobilized to insist that elected officials take meaningful action to prevent gun violence in this country – and your voices were heard! One month ago, Congress passed, and the President signed the most meaningful gun violence legislation in 30 years.

Now is the opportunity to build on that success. The House is currently considering two bills that would further strengthen gun safety laws. These bills will only receive a floor vote if representatives hear from constituents that it matters to them.

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2021 (H.R. 1808) would ban the sale, import, manufacture or transfer of certain semi-automatic weapons, bump fire stocks, and high capacity feeding devices – while still protecting the second amendment right to possess other firearms. A Justice Department study found that a similar ban enacted in 1994 reduced the use of assault weapons in crime by 70%. The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act (H.R. 2814) would allow victims of gun violence to hold gun manufacturers accountable. One provision of this bill would allow civil lawsuits against gun manufacturers who repeatedly sell weapons to straw purchasers and traffickers.

As followers of Jesus, called to live into the reality of God’s dream of shalom as described by Micah 4, we must address the epidemic of gun violence so “that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in God’s paths.” Therefore, we call upon United Methodists to prayerfully address gun violence (2016 Book of Resolutions, #3428).