Senate Is Urged To Oppose Protection For The Gun Industry

On March 19th, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) urged the U.S. Senate to reject legislation that would prevent civil liability against the gun industry for damages resulting from the misuse of a firearm.

Kweisi Mfume, President and CEO, the NAACP, said, "Some in Congress, goaded by the gun lobby, are determined to slam the courthouse door in the face of current and future victims of gun violence."

A bill introduced by Representative Cliff Stearns (R-FL), H.R. 1036, The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, would immunize the gun industry from legal action – even when it acts in a negligent and irresponsible manner. A Senate companion bill is expected soon.

Mfume said: "For decades the NAACP has fought on behalf of victims of gun violence. Part of that fight includes the NAACP's current legal action against firearms' manufacturers and dealers who have facilitated the supply of handguns to an unlawful underground market. "These actions have disproportionately harmed the safety of Americans and their families. NAACP et. al v. American Arms et.al. and NAACP v. Acusport et.al. seek injunctive relief. "

Mfume added: "We urge all members of Congress to reject H.R. 1036. In pushing this bill just weeks before our trial is slated to begin, the gun lobby clearly placed the NAACP's legal efforts in its sights." H.R. 1036 makes specific reference to suits brought by "private interest groups" and contains language that would stop dead in its tracks all pending legal action against the gun industry.

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