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NEWS FROM THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA
14547 Titus Street, Suite 214
Panorama City, CA  91402
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For immediate release: August 30, 2000
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For additional information:
Juan Ros, Executive Director
Phone: (818) 782-8400
Mailto:director@ca.lp.org
Web: http://www.ca.lp.org
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Women, the poor: biggest victims of gun licensing law, Libertarians say

"In their zeal to appear tough on crime, state lawmakers are making it easier for criminals to terrorize the public while making it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to protect themselves," stated Libertarian state chair Mark Hinkle.

"If this bill becomes law, it will bring California one step closer to outlawing guns completely -- leaving us all victim to random violent crime."

The bill, AB 273 by Assemblyman Jack Scott (D-Pasadena), barely passed the State Senate Monday on a 22-15 vote and is pending in the Assembly where Senate amendments must be approved by tomorrow before heading to Governor Gray Davis's desk.

If signed into law, handgun buyers would have to obtain renewable $25 licenses by passing a series of tests before being allowed to purchase a gun. California already has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country, including a one-a-month handgun purchase limit, a trigger-lock requirement, and a ban on so-called "assault" weapons.

The main problem with the new law, according to Libertarians, is that it will lead to increased crime -- the exact opposite of the bill's intention. "Criminals will not jump through the government's hoops when they want a gun. They will simply buy a gun on the street," Hinkle pointed out.

"But a woman being stalked will have to wait about a month before she can hold a gun under the new law -- threatening her security and her life."

What's worse, those most vulnerable to crime -- the poor -- will see their access to self-defense further diminished. "When the sale of 'Saturday Night Specials' was banned last year, the poor lost their access to inexpensive self-protection. Now the government is going to force them to also submit to expensive training classes and license fees?" Hinkle asked.

"Californians should not be deprived of the means of protecting themselves. We urge the Assembly and the governor to reject this bill and strike a blow for self-defense -- and against violent thugs."