The Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence is encouraged by the overwhelming failure of the dangerous gun bills proposed during the just-ended legislative session and vows to continue fighting for sensible gun laws.
“We’re delighted that proposals for the carrying of firearms on college campuses, in airports, courthouses and many other public places were squashed,” said Patti Brigham, Coalition Co-Chair and 1st Vice President of the League of Women Voters of Florida.
Coalition leaders vow to be back next session to continue fighting for common-sense gun legislation.
“We will never give up fighting for the safety of our citizens and against laws that would eventually lead to certain death of innocent people,” Brigham said.
The Coalition was created by the LWVF after the Pulse Nightclub massacre to promote smart gun legislation. It helped set the course for bills filed in January by state Sen. Linda Stewart D-Orlando and Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando that would restrict the sale and transfer of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Florida.
Likewise, they applaud legislation filed by Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale, and Rep. Bruce Antone, D-Orlando, to close the private seller loophole at gun shows, which would have required all firearm sales be conducted by a licensed dealer.
“While these bills did not pass, we’re grateful to these great legislators for helping to educate their colleagues and the public on the dangers we face if we don’t take action,” said Angie Gallo, Education Chair of the Florida PTA.
The Coalition is also grateful to Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, who had the courage to publicly stand up against bad gun bills proposed by Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, and others, effectively dashing any hope they had of passing.
“We have amazing partners working with us,” said Brigham, “and we’re thankful for all of their hard work, including the Interfaith Council of Central Florida and the National Council of Jewish Women.”
Andy Pelosi, Executive Director of The Campaign To Keep Guns Off Campus and co-chair of the Coalition, echoed Brigham’s vow to keep fighting, and stated, “Change is slowly coming to Florida, as we have worked successfully to beat back most of the regressive gun legislation over the past two years and have charted a course to save lives by gaining introduction of a ban on assault weapons and legislation for universal background checks.”
Hannah Willard, Public Policy Director for Equality Florida, said her organization is committed to honoring the victims and survivors of the Pulse massacre that left 49 people dead. “We want to take action to make the world a safer place for us all,” she said. “We’re proud of the progress this Coalition has made to provide a common sense counter-narrative to the gun lobby.”
“We’re delighted that proposals for the carrying of firearms on college campuses, in airports, courthouses and many other public places were squashed,” said Patti Brigham, Coalition Co-Chair and 1st Vice President of the League of Women Voters of Florida.
Coalition leaders vow to be back next session to continue fighting for common-sense gun legislation.
“We will never give up fighting for the safety of our citizens and against laws that would eventually lead to certain death of innocent people,” Brigham said.
The Coalition was created by the LWVF after the Pulse Nightclub massacre to promote smart gun legislation. It helped set the course for bills filed in January by state Sen. Linda Stewart D-Orlando and Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando that would restrict the sale and transfer of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Florida.
Likewise, they applaud legislation filed by Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale, and Rep. Bruce Antone, D-Orlando, to close the private seller loophole at gun shows, which would have required all firearm sales be conducted by a licensed dealer.
“While these bills did not pass, we’re grateful to these great legislators for helping to educate their colleagues and the public on the dangers we face if we don’t take action,” said Angie Gallo, Education Chair of the Florida PTA.
The Coalition is also grateful to Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, who had the courage to publicly stand up against bad gun bills proposed by Sen. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, and others, effectively dashing any hope they had of passing.
“We have amazing partners working with us,” said Brigham, “and we’re thankful for all of their hard work, including the Interfaith Council of Central Florida and the National Council of Jewish Women.”
Andy Pelosi, Executive Director of The Campaign To Keep Guns Off Campus and co-chair of the Coalition, echoed Brigham’s vow to keep fighting, and stated, “Change is slowly coming to Florida, as we have worked successfully to beat back most of the regressive gun legislation over the past two years and have charted a course to save lives by gaining introduction of a ban on assault weapons and legislation for universal background checks.”
Hannah Willard, Public Policy Director for Equality Florida, said her organization is committed to honoring the victims and survivors of the Pulse massacre that left 49 people dead. “We want to take action to make the world a safer place for us all,” she said. “We’re proud of the progress this Coalition has made to provide a common sense counter-narrative to the gun lobby.”
The Coalition has grown to include more than 125 local, state and national organizations and includes such diverse groups as the Peace and Justice Institute, United Church of Christ in Florida, Quakers of Orlando, and Moms Rising.
