Social Workers Favor
Concealed Weapon Veto
MAGICMEDIA NEWS (Nov. 18, 2003) - The National Association of Social Workers, Wisconsin Chapter (NASW WI), is praising Governor Jim Doyle for vetoing the concealed carry gun legislation.
“Governor Doyle's veto of the concealed carry gun bill is extremely important for the safety of the citizens of Wisconsin. The concealed carry gun legislation would have put countless children and families as well as social workers at risk throughout Wisconsin, “ said Marc Herstand, NASW WI Executive Director.
“Social workers assist very vulnerable individuals who sometimes find themselves in volatile personal relationships. Battered woman, women who are being stalked, children who have been physically abused or sexually assaulted, and parents in custody disputes should not have to worry about the perpetrator or the other party coming to the social services agency with a concealed weapon,” Herstand added.
Many of these individuals are served at county human services department or private non-profit community based organizations where concealed weapons would generally be allowed under this law.
Although convicted felons would not be able to obtain a concealed weapons permit, domestic batterers could gain much more access to guns. A survey of recent domestic homicides by the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence reported that at least 60% of those who used firearms to kill their current or former partner would have passed the eleven-point test and would have been permitted to carry concealed weapons. *
The social worker organization fears eliminating the current ban on concealed weapons would result in more people carrying guns and greater access of children and youth to guns. Guns left unlocked by adults in their cars, coat pockets and homes could result in additional suicides, homicides and accidental deaths and injuries to children.
Although schools, hospitals, health and mental health clinics are exempt from the law, there is no prohibition from carrying a concealed weapon outside one of these institutions. In addition the penalties for carrying the concealed weapon in one of the unauthorized locations is a misdemeanor. The bill reduced the penalty for carrying a weapon on the school grounds from a felony to a misdemeanor!
The National Association of Social Workers, Wisconsin Chapter is calling upon the Wisconsin Legislature to uphold the Governor’s veto.
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