Women and the Poor Are Biggest Victims of Gun 
Licensing Law,  California Libertarians Say.

To: State Desk 
Contact: Juan Ros of the California Libertarian Party, 
818-782-8400 Web: http://www.ca.lp.org

PANORAMA CITY, Ca., August 30 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A bill requiring 
gun buyers to obtain a government license before purchasing a gun 
will do nothing to curb violent crime -- and threatens the safety of 
women and low-income families, the Libertarian Party of California 
charged today. 

"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."