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WHAT'S ON OUR MIND
As the Supreme Court wraps up its summer caseload, it has delivered another significant decision on gun regulation. The Court upheld a 1994 ban on firearms for domestic abusers.
"Our tradition of firearm regulation allows the government to disarm individuals who present a credible threat to the physical safety of others," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. Firearms have been the most common weapon used in homicides involving spouses, intimate partners, children, or relatives in recent years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This decision is a positive step in our nation's ongoing battle against gun violence. However, it is not enough especially in light of last week's Court ruling on bump stocks. Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticized that decision, stating it "enables gun users and manufacturers to circumvent federal law" and "puts bump stocks back in civilian hands."
We cannot rely solely on the Supreme Court, particularly with its current conservative majority, to safeguard our safety. We need comprehensive federal laws that apply uniformly across all 50 states. At present, a patchwork of state gun laws creates chaos and leaves our communities vulnerable and unprotected.
A strong national policy backed by robust federal laws is essential. President Joe Biden has taken numerous executive actions to enhance gun safety and combat gender-based violence. His dedication to these issues has been evident throughout his career—from the initial passage of the Violence Against Women Act 29 years ago to the historic bipartisan military justice reform and the first-ever U.S. National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence implemented in 2023.
Despite Biden's efforts, the widespread availability of firearms, especially military-style weapons, the lack of federal safe storage laws, and the gun manufacturers' immunity from lawsuits hinder progress. The upcoming November election will significantly impact our fight to end gun violence.
Will we elect a Congress that prioritizes gun safety over the interests of gun manufacturers? Will the White House office on gun violence prevention remain? And what kind of justice will the next president appoint to the Supreme Court? We can rest more easily with Biden in the White House and a Congress that backs his gun violence prevention agenda. We will fear for our lives with Trump.
Elections have consequences.
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