To the editor:
Soon the U.S. Senate will consider the “Fix NICS Act,” passed by a vote of 231-198 in the House of Representatives. On its face, this seems to be a reasonable, common-sense effort to improve the background check system to prevent dangerous people from obtaining access to deadly weapons.
The problem is that Congress has added a rider to the bill known as “Concealed Carry Reciprocity” in an attempt to subvert the will of voters to that of the NRA.
Most states – including Indiana – require a background check prior to issuance of a permit to carry a concealed deadly weapon. At least 12 states currently require no background check before issuing a permit, allowing violent criminals and those charged with domestic abuse to legally carry concealed deadly weapons. Concealed Carry Reciprocity would require Indiana to recognize these permits for residents of those states. As a result, a domestic abuser who happens to reside in a another state could legally carry a concealed weapon all the way to the door of an ex-spouse or the school of their children in Indiana.
Concealed Carry Reciprocity is an unconscionable expansion of the rights of domestic abusers and dangerous criminals. It usurps the will of Indiana voters and is opposed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and many other law enforcement organizations.
Voters in 35 states have chosen to protect their citizens through background checks. Those states that have decided otherwise should not be allowed to impose their will on Indiana. Hoosier families deserve better.
Matt Roberts
Indianapolis
