Could 'Red Flag Laws' Be the Common Ground in Gun Safety Debate?
Summary from AllSides News Team
'Red flag laws' exist in 19 states, and have been celebrated by some Republicans and many Democrats. Can Congress harness that agreement to find common ground on gun laws?
A 'red flag law' allows police or family members to ask a state court to order the temporary confiscation of weapons from someone who is deemed a danger to others or themselves. The bipartisan group of senators discussing gun safety has signaled agreement on national red flag legislation, which would likely either create a federal law or incentives for states to adopt their own red flag laws.
Not all conservatives support the laws. Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R) has argued that red flag laws try to "enforce the law before the law has been broken" and that "it's difficult to assess whether somebody is a threat." As far as public opinion, multiple recent surveys suggest that large majorities of Americans support red flag laws.
Common ground on red flag laws is also apparent in media coverage. A CNN article framed Florida's red flag law positively, and highlighted some Florida conservatives who spoke highly of the law. Opinion articles from National Review (Right bias) voiced support for state red flag laws, but oppose federal legislation and argue that the decision should be left to states. Sources across the spectrum have highlighted red flag laws and the potential for common ground on them. Some reports on all sides also highlighted opposition to red flag laws from conservatives and gun rights groups.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Center
What's 'Red Flag' Gun Law and Why Lawmakers Want Legislation to Be National
Following the mass shooting of Uvalde, where a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers, many Democrats and Republicans are hoping to implement the so-called 'Red Flag' laws.
This legislation would allow authorities to temporarily remove firearms from people they believe are a danger to themselves and others.
It's unclear whether there is majority support for passing these gun laws yet, but many are pushing for it regardless.
Informal discussions surrounding these proposals began last Wednesday, a day after the massacre unfolded at Robb Elementary school.
Essentially, a 'Red Flag' law, also known as a yellow...
From the Left
Florida's red flag law, championed by Republicans, is taking guns from thousands of people
Twice a week from her courtroom, Florida 13th Circuit Court Judge Denise Pomponio decides who in Hillsborough County can no longer be trusted with a gun.
In just the last two months, she has taken away the firearm privileges of dozens of people, including a dad accused of threatening to "shoot everyone" at his son's school, a woman who police say attempted suicide and then accidentally shot her boyfriend during a struggle for her revolver, a husband who allegedly fired multiple rounds in the street to "blow off steam" after...
From the Right
Congressional chambers approach new gun laws differently
Multiple mass shootings in recent weeks have led to calls for Congress to act on gun reforms, with both chambers taking different approaches on how to address the problem legislatively.
Following the May 14 shooting at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket that left 10 dead, the Uvalde, Texas, school massacre on May 24 that resulted in the death of 19 children and two teachers, and the five killed in a shooting at a Tulsa, Oklahoma, medical facility on June 1, Democrats in the lower chamber are pushing for substantial policy...
AllSides Picks
December 4th, 2023
December 4th, 2023
Discuss & Debate violence in america
Advanced Facilitation Skills Workshop
December 07 at 6:30am PT / 9:30am ET Essential PartnersMore News about Gun Control and Gun Rights from the Left, Center and Right
From the Left
From the Center
From the Right
