Gun-control advocates from across the region will hold petition drives at two events in Greater Cincinnati Thursday as part of a national campaign calling for stricter gun control laws.
Volunteers will gather at Fountain Square downtown and in Mason to collect signatures as part of the National Day to Demand Action to end gun violence.
Activists are calling for support on legislation requiring universal background checks for gun sales, a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity gun magazines and for tougher penalties for gun trafficking offenses.
The national campaign is organized by Organizing for Action, a nonprofit group formed by former aides to President Barack Obama to support his legislative agenda, and Mayors Against Illegal Guns, a bi-partisan coalition of more than 900 mayors who support a number of gun control initiatives.
“We’re demanding action on gun violence,” said Beth Smith, volunteer leader of the Warren County chapter of Organizing for Action.
Locally, volunteers are hoping to gather enough support and signatures to pressure Ohio Sen. Rob Portman (R-Terrace Park) and Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Westwood) to support the legislation, said Smith.
Lawmakers are expected to take up the issue of gun control legislation soon after the Senate returns from its Easter and Passover recess April 8.
Downtown event
What: Cincinnati Petition Drive for Universal Background Checks
When: 1-2 p.m. Thursday
Where: Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., downtown
Mason event
What: Mason/Warren Co Gun Control Signature Collection
When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday
Where: Mason Community Center, 6050 Mason-Montgomery Road, Mason
Posted in: Events, Political events |
