Legislation to close a loophole in Virginia’s gun-control laws will be publicized today during a rally near the state Capitol. The Vigil to Remember Victims of Gun Violence will honor the 80 Virginia children killed with guns in 2005 and advocate for the legislation.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. JeannemarieDevolites Davis, R-Vienna, would require individuals purchasing firearms from small dealers, usually at gun shows, to undergo the same background check as people buying guns in a store.
“Closing the gun show loophole is a very important step towards removing illegal guns from our state,” said Kara Gloeckner, a member of the Virginia chapter of the Million Moms March. Davis has introduced similar bills in past sessions, but they have been killed. The National Rifle Association, a powerful lobbying force in Virginia, opposes the bill. It has also sought to block similar measures in other states and in Congress.
