Progress (partial) for Women over Guns and Stalkers

** When they know we’re looking, we win!! ** When they think we’re not looking, they’re protect a gun more than a woman.

“In a dramatic turn of events, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee voted 10-4 today to approve SB 943, a bill that would prohibit those convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, sexual battery, and stalking from purchasing and possessing firearms. The vote comes just two days after the committee initially rejected SB 943 following a controversial hearing in which Chairman Tommy Norment (R-3rd) appeared to announce the bill had been approved. The bill was later listed as defeated by a 10-5 vote in Virginia’s Legislative Information System.”

http://csgv.org/releases/2015/virginia-committee-feels-pressure-changes-vote-protect-women-guns/

Let’s Keep the Momentum Up! — Legislation Update

It’s exciting to report some momentum in our women’s agenda. Women’s voices – and women’s votes – may be getting through to more elected officials. Please continue to contact them – there’s more to do (read on).   Yesterday was a good day for Virginia women. A bill to restrict access to guns for those convicted of domestic violence (Senate Bill 943, patroned by Senator Barbara Favola) and another bill to expand the anti-stalking statute (Senate Bill 1297, patroned by Senator Don McEachin) passed a Senate committee.   But, as I said, there’s more to do. A companion gun bill (introduced by Delegate Kathleen Murphy, whom NOW members worked to elect) will be heard tomorrow (Friday) in House Militia, Police, and Public Safety Subcommittee #1. It needs immediate calls. The bill (House Bill 2085) would restrict possession of guns by those convicted of domestic abuse, stalking, sexual battery, and other violent misdemeanors. Please call and email these delegates and ask them to vote YES on HB2085 to keep guns away from domestic abusers:  Delegate Thomas Wright  (804) 698-1061       DelTWright@house.virginia.gov Delegate Todd Gilbert       (804) 698-1015      DelTGilbert@house.virginia.gov Delegate Michael Webert (804) 698-1018       DelMWebert@house.virginia.gov Delegate Matthew Fariss  (804) 698-1059      DelMFariss@house.virginia.gov  Delegate Rosalyn Tyler     (804) 698-1075      DelRTyler@house.virginia.gov There’s also a good anti-stalking bill in the House of Delegates, patroned by Jackson Miller (HB1453). We’ve contacted Delegate Miller about our support for the bill; it should be heard tomorrow. More great news: The ERA resolution passed the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee and will go to the Senate floor. NOW and our allies in the Women’s Equality Coalition continue to work hard to pass the ERA. Watch Virginia ERA Network for updates. Bad news: An abortion ban bill has been introduced by Delegate Dave LaRock. The bill, HB2321, would unconstitutionally ban all abortions after 20 weeks. Elections matter! We worked hard to defeat Tea Partier LaRock. All 100 delegate seats and all 40 senate seats are up this November. Our Virginia NOW Political Action Committee (PAC) will again be working hard for candidates who support women and equality.  Stay tuned – we need your support!   Also Contact Board of Health We have until February 11 to submit comments supporting the amended TRAP regulations for women’s health centers. Submit your comment today. Thank you for all you do every day for women and girls. Marj Signer, Virginia NOW Legislative Vice-President