[T]hree bills under consideration in the Legislature have reopened the longstanding debate over gun laws in Vermont. At a crowded public hearing Tuesday, dozens of residents testified about why they believe new gun safety proposals should — or shouldn’t — advance.
Members of gun owners groups argued that these bills would do nothing to make the state safer, and warned that minor restrictions on gun rights could lead to more drastic bills in the future.
Supporters of the legislation shared stories of domestic violence that they said could have been prevented if abusers had less access to firearms.
The future of the bills remains unclear. But activists on both sides are taking the opportunity to make their voices heard.
On this week’s podcast, Sen. Phil Baruth, D/P-Chittenden, who sponsored a bill mandating universal background checks on gun sales, talks about how he’s seen the gun debate evolve. Plus, Clai Lasher-Sommers, the head of GunSense Vermont, and Ed Cutler, the president of Gun Owners of Vermont, discuss their opposing views on gun legislation.
Subscribe to the Deeper Dig on Apple Podcasts or Google Play. Music by Lee Rosevere and Blue Dot Sessions.
