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I am a gun owner and hunter. I support further safe gun legislation in Maine. I am not threatened in any way by these laws that could cut down on the use of guns in cases of suicide, domestic violence, mass shootings and other crimes. I believe that most responsible gun owners support this but have an unfounded fear of this leading to the eventual elimination of gun ownership. I think it is a shame that this fear is promulgated by the gun manufacturers and groups like the National Rifle Association.
I support the proposed 72-hour rule. The wait time would allow people intending to purchase a gun additional time to think about their decision and any actions they were planning with the gun. This is especially critical in preventing suicide by gun. I support mandatory background checks for all gun purchases. This could deter the illegal purchases of guns.
I support extreme risk protection orders that limit gun possession for reasons of mental health. These laws allow for the removal of guns from persons whose mental state may be of danger to themselves and to others.
I support the elimination of the sale of military-style semi-automatic assault weapons. Although these weapons are lightweight and are attractive to hunters for that reason, they do not eliminate the ability to hunt with a different style weapon of the same caliber.
None of the above legislation hinders me as a responsible safe gun owner from purchasing and owning guns.
Brian K. Sterner
Member
The First Church in Belfast Gun Safety Work Group
Stockton Springs
