Catholics take aim at guns

By KATE BLAIN- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

The New York State Catholic Conference will be taking a serious look at Gov. George Pataki's proposed "five-point plan" to combat gun violence.

The Governor's plan would include a "gun DNA" program to trace guns used in crimes, child safety locks on triggers, a ban on assault weapons, background checks for those buying weapons at gun shows and raising the legal age for gun ownership to 21.

The Catholic Conference represents the state's bishops on public policy matters.

Examining issue

While the Conference has no official position on the Governor's plan at this time, communications director Rick Hinshaw told The Evangelist that "the Church wants to see initiatives that are going to reduce the gun violence that has caused so much pain, suffering and death," and "would take seriously any legislation that might do that."

In 1997, he noted, the Conference supported proposed bans on assault weapons and weapons storage. In reference to the latter, Conference executive director John Kerry told the State Assembly, "Criminal penalties will help educate the public concerning the proper storage of weapons, thus ensuring a reduction in these types of tragic circumstances."

Also in 1997, Conference associate director Richard Barnes noted that "a ban on assault weapons is worthy of support."

Encouraged

Meg Bergh of the Albany diocesan Family Life Office called the Governor's plan "very encouraging. They're realizing guns get into the hands of the wrong people at the wrong ages."

She called gun control "protection for life. We have to look at what is best for the majority of people. Guns are taking lives away or harming lives."

Gun advocates have protested state and federal gun control proposals, saying that such legislation won't stop criminals and others who handle guns inappropriately. But Ms. Bergh countered that in passing laws like Gov. Pataki's plan, "we're looking to protect everyone. This shouldn't bother those who have the expertise to handle guns, because they're already doing it [appropriately]."

The Texas Catholic, newspaper of the Diocese of Dallas, recently came out against the National Rifle Association. In an editorial, the paper called the NRA an "immoral organization" that Catholics should not support.

"The NRA consistently fights to thwart every social effort made at reducing gun violence through better gun regulation," the editorial stated.

Ms. Bergh responded: "It's time to take a stand for life. What is most important is each unique human being."

(03-30-00) [[In-content Ad]]